Overview
Penstemon 'White Bedder' is a bushy perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon 'White Bedder' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.
About
Penstemon 'White Bedder' (White Bedder Penstemon) is a perennial cultivar of the Penstemon genus, known as beardtongues, which comprises around 280 species native to North America. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil with dry to medium moisture levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and containers. To maintain its shape and encourage bushiness, it should be cut back after flowering. Propagation can be achieved through seed or cuttings.
About the genus
Penstemon, the beardtongues, is a large genus of roughly 280 species of flowering plants native to North America from northern Canada to Central America. It is the largest genus of flowering plants endemic to North America. As well as being the scientific name, penstemon is also widely used as a common name for all Penstemon species alongside beardtongues.
Wikipedia contributors, "Penstemon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Penstemon
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Penstemon
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Penstemon 'White Bedder' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'White Bedder'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews, Grey moulds, Powdery mildews, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Penstemon 'White Bedder'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'White Bedder'?
Penstemon 'White Bedder' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Penstemon 'White Bedder' need?
Penstemon 'White Bedder' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Penstemon 'White Bedder'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Penstemon 'White Bedder' hardy in the UK?
Penstemon 'White Bedder' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Penstemon 'White Bedder'?
Seed, cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Penstemon genus
- Penstemon 'Raven'Beardtongues
- Penstemon barbatusbearded penstemon
- Penstemon barbatus 'Carnea'Golden-beard Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatusbellflower beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Andenken an Hahn'Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'Beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Garnet'Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink'Beardtongue