Overview
Penstemon wrightii is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon wrightii 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 wrightii is a clump-forming cultivar of the Penstemon genus, which includes perennial or subshrub species with slender, elongated leaves and clusters of bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers. This cultivar is evergreen to semi-evergreen and thrives in full sun, favouring south, west, or east-facing aspects. It grows well in fertile, well-drained soils such as loam, chalk, or sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for a variety of garden settings including cottage, coastal, and wildlife gardens, as well as patios and containers, with interest in spring and summer.
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 wrightii 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 wrightii
- 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 wrightii?
Penstemon wrightii prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Penstemon wrightii need?
Penstemon wrightii 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 wrightii hardy in the UK?
Penstemon wrightii 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 wrightii?
Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring.
More in the Penstemon genus
- Penstemon 'Raven'Beardtongues
- Penstemon albidus
- Penstemon ambiguusgilia beardtongue
- Penstemon attenuatus
- Penstemon barbatus 'Schooley's Yellow'
- Penstemon centranthifoliusscarlet bugler
- Penstemon crandallii
- Penstemon cyananthus
