An award-winning, hardy penstemon bearing slender spires of deep wine-red tubular flowers over a long season. One of the toughest beardtongues, loved by bees and nectar-feeding birds.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 70 cm H × 50 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Garnet Penstemon
Penstemon 'Garnet' is a moderate-growing perennial in the Plantaginaceae family. It reaches around 70 cm tall and 50 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Garnet Penstemon
Garnet Penstemon suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is an award-winning selection.
Soil & planting
Garnet Penstemon does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Garnet Penstemon performs well with relatively little water once established. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Garnet Penstemon after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Garnet Penstemon in the garden
Garnet Penstemon earns its place for feeding bees and pollinators, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, cut flowers for the vase and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and cool-temperate climate as Garnet Penstemon. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Garnet Penstemon
Plant Sale lists Garnet Penstemon as potted plants. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
