Buy beard tongue Penstemon 'White Bedder'

Penstemon 'White Bedder'

beard tongue

Large, white, foxglove-like flowers emerge from pink-flushed buds from July to October and really shine among the lance-shaped, bright green leaves.

If deadheaded regularly, this wonderful white penstemon continues flowering until the first frosts. It's a handsome, easy-to-grow perennial that will quickly form large, leafy clumps and is perfect for lighting up the middle of a partly shady, well-drained border.

Grown in sun, Penstemon 'White Bedder' looks particularly good with silver-leaved plants.

How to care for Penstemon White Bedder:

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.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

0.7m

Eventual spread:

0.45m

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.