Penstemon - beardtongue

Penstemon: the border’s overachiever. Spires of bell-shaped blooms in every colour from soft pinks to rich purples flower for months, bringing colour, elegance, and a steady stream of bees. A cottage garden must-have with just the right amount of wild.

Plant Care

Position: full sun to light shade, in well-drained soil – perfect for borders, pollinator gardens, and mixed cottage-style planting

Hardiness: hardy semi-evergreen perennial in most of the UK (down to around -10°C); may lose leaves in colder regions but regrows strongly in spring

Hot Tips: deadhead to keep the flowers coming, and leave stems intact over winter for frost protection – prune back in spring when new growth appears. Avoid heavy wet soils, and mulch for extra winter resilience.