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Alpine RockeryShrubs

Penstemon davidsonii var. menziesii
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Menzies penstemon

P. davidsonii var. menziesii is a prostrate evergreen subshrub to 10cm high, with bluntly toothed, rounded leaves and funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers 3-4cm long, in erect racemes, from late spring

Synonyms
Penstemon menziesii

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
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 Blue
Summer Blue
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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

Unresolved

Plant range
Western N America

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 softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer

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

Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour

Pests

May be damaged by slugs and snails, may be infested with chrysanthemum eelworm

Diseases

Powdery mildew may be a problem

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