Penstemon
Botanical name: P. x serrulata
'Sky Blue'
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Ideal planting time: Whilst the plants are dormant (Winter)
Size:
- Low spreading varieties: 15-20cm tall x 30-50cm wide.
- Small upright varieties: 40x40cm
- Taller upright varieties: 40-60cm tall x 40cm wide.
Depth & spacing: Plant 30-50cm apart and to the same depth as in the pot.
Aspect: Full sun.
Soil: Rich, well draining. Preferably slightly acidic.
Watering: Keep moist whilst growing.
Fertilising: Complete fertiliser
Flowering time: Summer (often for many months)
Pruning required: Regularly prune spent flowers. Trim regularly
during the growing season to encourage a bushy shape and cut back hard at the
end of the season.
Comments: Penstemons are invaluable for adding billowing colour to
the garden. Their pretty blooms last for many months and are just as useful in
vases as they are in the garden.