Overview
Penstemon 'Windsor Red' is a upright perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon 'Windsor Red' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and pollinator gardens.
About
Penstemon 'Windsor Red' (Windsor Red 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 moderate moisture. It is hardy in the UK (H5) and is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and pollinator gardens. Once established, it is drought tolerant. After flowering, cutting back encourages bushier growth and may promote reblooming.
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
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Penstemon 'Windsor Red' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, pollinator gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'Windsor Red'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage bushier growth and possible rebloom.
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Penstemon 'Windsor Red'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'Windsor Red'?
Penstemon 'Windsor Red' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Penstemon 'Windsor Red' need?
Penstemon 'Windsor Red' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Penstemon 'Windsor Red'?
Cut back after flowering to encourage bushier growth and possible rebloom.
Is Penstemon 'Windsor Red' hardy in the UK?
Penstemon 'Windsor Red' 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 'Windsor Red'?
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