Award-winning Penstemon collection
beard tongue
Producing a prolific display of colourful flowers from early summer to mid-autumn, these popular perennials make reliable and hard-working additions to the border. Originating from a wide range of habitats from prairies to alpine areas throughout North and Central America, penstemons flower best in a sunny spot, but are tolerant of a little light shade. Prepare the soil well before planting, and remove the faded flowers regularly to encourage more to form. In frost prone areas they will benefit from a dry winter mulch.
How to care for award winning Penstemon collection:
Plant penstemons in well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. Water regularly until established, then reduce watering, as they prefer drier conditions once settled.
Deadhead faded blooms frequently to extend the flowering season. In autumn, leave the top growth in place to provide winter protection, then cut back in spring when new shoots emerge lower down the stems.
Apply a dry mulch, such as bark or composted straw, around the base in colder regions to insulate the roots from frost. Every few years, lift and divide congested clumps in spring to maintain vigour and encourage fresh growth.
Deadhead faded blooms frequently to extend the flowering season. In autumn, leave the top growth in place to provide winter protection, then cut back in spring when new shoots emerge lower down the stems.
Apply a dry mulch, such as bark or composted straw, around the base in colder regions to insulate the roots from frost. Every few years, lift and divide congested clumps in spring to maintain vigour and encourage fresh growth.
What's included:
In this collection you will receive one of each of the following varieties:
Penstemon 'Andenken an Friedrich Hahn': Elegant spikes of small, tubular, foxglove-like flowers appear from July to October among lance-shaped, bright green leaves. This vibrant, easy-to-grow perennial commemorates an 18th century German astronomer.
Penstemon 'Andenken an Friedrich Hahn' will quickly form large, leafy clumps and is perfect for adding a splash of colour to the middle of a sunny, well-drained border. The sumptuous, deep wine-red flowers contrast well with acid greens and silver leaved plants or with wispy grasses and spiky leaves. Grows to 90cm.
Penstemon 'Sour Grapes' M. Fish: Elegant spikes of small, tubular, foxglove-like flowers appear from July to July to October among lance-shaped, bright green leaves. This easy-to-grow perennial will quickly form large, leafy clumps and is perfect for adding a splash of colour to the middle of a sunny, well-drained border. If you deadhead Penstemon 'Sour Grapes M. Fish' regularly, the flowers will persist until the first frosts. The flowers of this penstemon can vary in colour (from magenta- violet with purple undertones, to soft violet-blue. Grows to 60cm.
Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem': Elegant spikes of small, tubular, foxglove-like flowers appear from July to October among lance-shaped, bright green leaves. This easy-to-grow perennial will quickly form large, leafy clumps and is perfect for adding a splash of colour to the middle of a sunny, well-drained border. If deadheaded regularly, the flowers will persist until the first frosts. The magenta-blue flowers of this penstemon have a metallic sheen, reminiscent of black grapes, which contrasts particularly well with deep purples and blues. Grows to 60cm.
Penstemon 'Andenken an Friedrich Hahn' will quickly form large, leafy clumps and is perfect for adding a splash of colour to the middle of a sunny, well-drained border. The sumptuous, deep wine-red flowers contrast well with acid greens and silver leaved plants or with wispy grasses and spiky leaves. Grows to 90cm.
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
1 × collection
£26.97
available to order from spring
Unavailable
3 × collections
£80.91
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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