Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered — Clump forming

Overview

Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Penstemon 'Whitethroat' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Penstemon genus, known for its evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage. This perennial or subshrub thrives in full sun and well-drained fertile soils, including loam, chalk, and sand, across a range of pH levels. It produces purple flowers in clusters during spring and summer, adding colour to cottage gardens, city courtyards, coastal areas, and gravel gardens. Hardy to UK zone H4, it suits various exposures and aspects, making it a versatile choice for flower borders, patios, and wildlife-friendly spaces.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Penstemon

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Glasshouse red spider mite, Leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew, Rust, Leaf spots, Southern blight

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered?

Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered need?

Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, chalk and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered hardy in the UK?

Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Penstemon 'Whitethroat' purple-flowered?

Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring.

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →