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Herbaceous Perennial

Penstemon humilis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

low beard-tongue

A low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial forming basal rosettes of greyish-green leaves from which arise erect stems to 35cm tall bearing whorls of narrowly funnel-shaped blue to purple flowers from late spring into summer

Synonyms
Penstemon albertinus
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Penstemon may be deciduous or evergreen perennials or subshrubs, with simple, narrow leaves and racemes or panicles of bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in summer and early autumn

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails, aphids and leaf and bud eelworm

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey mould, powdery mildew and fungal leaf spot

Get involved

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