Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | |||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
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
Get involved
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