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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 GB / Ireland
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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