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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Penstemon pinifolius
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

pine-leaved penstemon

A spreading evergreen dwarf shrub to 20cm tall, with short, needle-like leaves and tubular scarlet flowers 2.5cm long in short erect racemes in summer

Synonyms
Penstemon pinifolius red-flowered
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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
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
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
SW USA

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 in late winter or spring: sow seeds at 13-18°C (55-64°F). Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer

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

Unless seed is needed, deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour

Pests

May be susceptible to slug and snail damage and chrysanthemum eelworm

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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