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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue White | Green | ||
Autumn | Blue White | Green | ||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
Accepted
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs, snails and chrysanthemum eelworms
Diseases
May be subject to a downy mildew
Get involved
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