Where is the best place to plant penstemons?
Penstemons are perfect for growing in the middle of a mixed border. They do best in a fertile, reasonably moist, free-draining soil. A position in full sun or light shade is ideal. Soil type: Penstemons are happiest in fertile, relatively moist but well-drained soil. Aspect & position: Full sun and a sheltered spot out of cold winds will suit penstemons well.Plant in a sheltered position with well-drained soil, out of cold winds. Some penstemons tolerate temperatures down to -10°C (15°F) in good positions like this.Little pruning is needed on penstemons but removing stems after flowering is completed helps to encourage the formation of new basal shoots and prolong the life of plants. Some species and many hybrids will have a second flush of bloom if cut back, particularly in long-summer areas.Many species and hybrids of penstemons can be divided from established plants. It is usually a much surer and quicker way to have more of those very desirable plants.There are so many reasons why I like penstemon. They’re the sort of plants that largely look after themselves, come in a wide range of colours and can flower from mid-summer to autumn. Best of all, at least in my mollusc infested garden, slugs and snails ignore them.
What is the common name for penstemon?
Penstemon is commonly called beardtongue because the stamen inside the flower has a tuft of small hairs. Because of hybridization, many different cultivars exist. These hybrids are often bred for different characteristics such as height, flower color, and foliage color. Penstemon are also called beardtongue because their flower shape resembles a fuzzy tongue. Besides the powdery mildew, they are also prone to rust, another fungal disease. You can identify this infection with the red-orange spores in the first part of the summer.
Are penstemon fast growing?
Penstemon are fast-growing summer bloomers, easily grown in a variety of soil types so long as it’s well draining. To keep penstemon happy, plant them in full sun to partial shade with good air circulation. They prefer little fertilizer. Smooth penstemon will grow in partial shade, but it does need at least a half day of sun. It is not a very fussy plant, but in partial shade, in cool, rich soil the stalk can grow higher and be lanky and floppy. A very cool and cloudy spring can also be influential. You may need to stake your plants.Luckily, Penstemons are hardy so you won’t have to worry about them dying off come wintertime (provided it is not a particularly hard winter), plus they’re perennials so they will come back year after year for you to enjoy.Western-native penstemons not only tolerate bright sun, they prefer it; thriving in garden sites that many other plants would find challenging. Most penstemons require at least six hours of full sun to produce erect stems with flowers of clear, bright colors able to withstand wind and rain.Most penstemons grow from a basal rosee of leaves and bloom in their second year aer planng. Some penstemons are short‐lived, lasng only two to three years, and others may live four years or more. Penstemons will self‐sow, so be prepared for them to move around your garden.Brock Ingham of Bigger Garden recommends deadheading penstemon regularly throughout the blooming season, which usually runs from late spring to late summer or even early fall. Wait until you see the flowers starting to fade and wilt before you start deadheading,’ he adds.
Are penstemons fully hardy?
They thrive in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. It used to be thought that Penstemons were tender and needed protection from frost, but actually they are one of the most valuable late summer-flowering perennials and, in all but the very coldest regions, are hardy, reliable and pest free. Some penstemons are hardier than others and, as a general guide, the thinner the leaves the hardier they are. If you have a sandy soil, that drains well, your penstemons will fare better through cold, damp winters than if you have a clay soil.They require good drainage, and are drought tolerant. They do not require water during the cooler winter months, but require some watering during the dry summer months, but do not overwater. Penstemons resent crowding and need adequate growing room for each plant.Soil: Penstemons prefer well-drained soil. They’re particularly sensitive to soggy soil conditions, which can lead to root rot, a common issue with this genus. While some species prefer rich, fertile soil, many are adapted to poor, sandy, or rocky soils, especially those native to drought-prone areas.Luckily, Penstemons are hardy so you won’t have to worry about them dying off come wintertime (provided it is not a particularly hard winter), plus they’re perennials so they will come back year after year for you to enjoy.
What pairs well with penstemon?
Companion Planting: Penstemon plants are highly compatible with other perennials. Consider planting them with complementary species such as lavender, salvia, or ornamental grasses for contrasting textures. Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ is one of the hardier varieties of penstemon, with deep purple-green foliage that contrasts dramatically with the pale white-pink flowers. Grow in full sun to get the best foliage colour.
What is the lifespan of a penstemon?
Most penstemons grow from a basal rosee of leaves and bloom in their second year aer planng. Some penstemons are short‐lived, lasng only two to three years, and others may live four years or more. Penstemons will self‐sow, so be prepared for them to move around your garden. Size: Penstemon will grow in height and spread to 50-60cm. Position: Penstemon prefer full sun or light shade. They don’t compete well with other plants, so plenty of space is ideal. Feeding etc: Feeding – In spring apply a general all purpose fertilizer.