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Herbaceous Perennial

Penstemon serrulatus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cascade penstemon

P. serrulatus is a semi-evergreen subshrub to 50cm, with glossy, oval to lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Broad, dense, one-sided clusters of narrowly bell-shaped, pinkish-purple flowers are produced in late summer

Other common names
coast penstemon
serrulate beardtongue
see moreserrulate penstemon
Synonyms
Penstemon diffusus

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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 Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
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

Correct

Plant range
W North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in very gritty, sharply-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer. Divide in spring or propagate by seed in late winter or spring

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

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

Maybe susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids and leaf and bud eelworm

Diseases

May be affected by grey mould, powdery mildews and fungal leaf spot

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