- Botanical Name
- Smalls: Penstemon smallii. ‘Blue Springs’: P. heterophyllus
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Plant Type
- Smalls: Herbaceous Perennial. ‘Blue Springs’: Evergreen sub shrub
- Size (HxW)
- Smalls: 30-70cm x 30-40cm. ‘Blue Springs’: 30-40cm x 30-40cm.
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant to the same depth as in the pot. See above for spacing.
- Soil
- Moderately fertile to humus rich, moist, well drained soil is ideal. They can rot if left to sit in water, especially over winter, so like their soil on the drier side.
- Aspect
- Full sun to semi shade
- Climate
- Cool to Mediterranean
- Frost
- Fully hardy
- Water
- Water well to establish, then only if rainfall is low. Dry tolerant once established. Fertiliser: A light application in spring is ideal, they aren’t heavy feeders and tend to stretch with too many nutrients.
- Flowering Time
- Spring to autumn
- After Flower Care
- Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms – they can rebloom up to four times a year. Prune lightly after flowering, or early spring to allow the new growth to shine.
- Notes
- It is a good idea to protect new growth from slugs and snails.
- Smalls
- Dig and divide in spring as required. Suitable for pots or cutting. They may take a season to settle in and flower at their best. Plants last around 3-4 years and will set seed in the meantime that blooms in its second year.
‘Blue Springs’: Cut back to the woody base after flowering to promote healthy growth. Dig and divide early autumn as required.
