Penstemon digitalis
foxglove beard-tongue
Vigorous semi-evergreen perennial to 1m tall, with basal mid-green leaves to 15cm long and purple flushed stems. Panicles or tiers of tubular pale lavender or white flowers each 2.5cm long are produced during summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- United States
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed in late winter or spring, softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour and prolong flowering, then cut back to 15cm in late winter or early spring
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids and leaf and bud eelworms
Diseases
May be susceptible to a downy mildew, grey moulds, Powdery mildews and a fungal leaf spot
Get involved
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