Heavenly Penstemon collection
penstemon collection
A mix of airy, foxglove-like spikes in shades from striking magenta-blue and cool violets to crisp white, all set against fresh green foliage. Expect long-lasting, pollinator-friendly blooms from summer into autumn, with plants that form neat, leafy clumps perfect for mid-border colour, sunny borders, or patios.
How to care for Heavenly 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 each collection you will receive 3 × 9cm Penstemon plants, one of each of the following:
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 heterophyllus 'Heavenly Blue': Forming a low, spreading clump, Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Heavenly Blue’ produces slender upright stems packed with tubular, foxglove-like blooms that open with gently flared mouths in shades of mauve, lilac and cool violet-blue. Each flower sits neatly along the stems, creating long airy spires that keep coming from late spring right through summer and often well into autumn. Grows to 50cm.
Penstemon 'White Bedder': 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. Grows to 70cm.
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. Grows to 70cm.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
