Penstemon heterophyllus True Blue

Hardy Perennial

• Flowers in : Summer
• Germination : Experience Useful
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Bedding, Borders, Patios, Rockeries
• Special Features : Flowers in 1st Year
• Height : 18 inches

Description

Yes, this really is a true blue Penstemon, true from seed! Azure blue trumpet blooms in abundance, with green and grey tinged foliage. An added bonus too - as this charming perennial may be treated as a annual, flowering in its first year. Highly versatile for borders, rockeries, bedding or the patio container.

Sowing Instructions

Sow from February to early June on the surface of a good seed compost just covering the seed with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Early sowings can be treated like Half Hardy Annuals and will flower in their first year. Germination takes 14-30 days at 15-18C (60-65F). Don't exclude light, sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is helpful.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings to boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots, and grow on in cooler conditions. When well grown, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out in late spring after all risk of frost has passed. Plant 30cm (12in) apart in full sun and well-drained soil.

Aftercare

To treat as a perennial cut down the stems to ground level in the autumn and cover with a thick mulch of compost.