How to plant and care for Penstemon (Garnet)

Penstemon 'Andenken an Friedrich Hahn'

🌸 Flower 🔁 Perennial

Spikes of wine-red foxglove-like bells from July to the frosts. One of the hardiest penstemons, flowering for months.

When to plant and care for it

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Flowers

Prune

Timed for a typical UK garden (last frost mid-April). The app uses your own town's frost dates.

On planting day
Plant
Plant at the same depth as it was in its pot, 45 cm apart, and firm in.
0–1 days after “Plant”
Water In Well
Give a full can of water, then keep moist for the first few weeks while roots establish.
7–14 days after “Water In Well”
Mulch Around the Base
Spread 5 cm of compost or bark around the plant, keeping it off the stems.

April
Spring Cut Back
Leave old stems on over winter to protect the crown, then cut back to just above the fresh shoots at the base in mid-spring.
August
In Flower
Wine-red bells — keep deadheading for more.