Penstemon ‘Symphony Mixed’

Pot up penstemon plants and grow them on in frost free conditions until plants are well grown. Pinch out the growing tips while plants are still small to encourage bushier growth. When plants are well developed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting them outdoors into borders and patio containers. Grow penstemon in a sunny or semi shaded position on fertile, well drained soil. Penstemons can tolerate dry soils once established but dislike heavy soils that are particularly cold and wet in winter. Improve heavy soils by adding plenty of coarse grit prior to planting.

Feed and water penstemons regularly until they are fully established. Once established they are reasonably tolerant of drought and will require little maintenance. Deadhead faded penstemon flowers to maintain the plant’s vigour and encourage further blooms to be produced. In cold areas apply a dry mulch of bark chips of straw around the crown of each plant in autumn. Leave the old foliage intact until spring to protect plants during winter.