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Herbaceous Perennial

Penstemon alpinus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Penstemon alpinus is a semi-evergreen perennial or sub-shrub up to 80cm tall with lance-shaped leaves. In early summer, blue to bluish-purple flowers, 2-3cm long, are borne on one side of stems

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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

Plant range
Western N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but 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 or from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

Slugs, snails, aphids and leaf and bud eelworms

Diseases

Grey mould, powdery mildews and fungal leaf spot

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