Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Orange Red | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
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
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer. Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour and hard prune in early spring
Pests
May be damaged by slugs and snails and infested with chrysanthemum eelworm
Diseases
Powdery mildew may be a problem
Get involved
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