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Herbaceous Perennial

Penstemon 'Pensham Blackberry Ice' (Pensham Series)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

penstemon 'Pensham Blackberry Ice'

A selection that bears wind-red flowers with purple streaking. Height to around 70cm

Synonyms
Penstemon 'Blackberry Ice'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 Purple Green
Autumn Red Purple Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to the UK
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 preferably in full sun. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry winter mulch

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and chrysanthemum eelworms

Diseases

May be subject to a downy mildew

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