Penstemon newberryi

RHS Plant Profile
mountain pride
mountain pride Dorling Kindersley 2003
Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Alpine Rockery

A dwarf evergreen subshrub to 25cm in height, with small, leathery ovate leaves. Tubular, deep rose-pink flowers 4cm in length are borne in clusters in early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Correct
Plant Range
United States

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, very gritty, well-drained soil in full sun. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame. Propagate by taking softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Deadhead after flowering to retain vigour

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and chrysanthemum eelworms

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews