Penstemon pinifolius 'Wisley Flame'

RHS Plant Profile
pine-leaved penstemon 'Wisley Flame'
pine-leaved penstemon 'Wisley Flame' RHS
Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

A dwarf evergreen shrub of spreading habit, with small, linear leaves and bright orange-red, tubular flowers to 2.5cm long in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 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 Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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