Penstemon

Growing from seed

Start Penstemon indoors about 10 weeks before your last frost. Seeds usually come up in around 21 days. Move seedlings out once the danger of frost has passed, in full sun, spaced about 45 cm apart. Expect the first blooms in roughly 120 days.

Companion Planting

• 
  French Marigold
  

  French MarigoldGreat pair

  • ❧French Marigold attracts Hoverflies and Lacewings and more, which prey on the Aphids that attack Penstemon
  • ❧French Marigold suppresses pests that trouble Penstemon
  • ❧French Marigold acts as living mulch, keeping soil moist and weeds down around Penstemon
• 
  Clover
  

  CloverGreat pair

  • ❧Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil that Penstemon feeds on
  • ❧Penstemon draws Bees and Bumblebees that improve pollination for both
  • ❧Clover acts as living mulch, keeping soil moist and weeds down around Penstemon
• 
  Bird's-foot Trefoil
  Great pair

  • ❧Bird's-foot Trefoil attracts Ladybirds and Parasitic wasps, which prey on the Aphids that attack Penstemon
  • ❧Bird's-foot Trefoil fixes nitrogen in the soil that Penstemon feeds on
  • ❧Bird's-foot Trefoil acts as living mulch, keeping soil moist and weeds down around Penstemon

How to grow Penstemon

1. Sow10 weeks before frost
2. Germinates21 days
3. Space45 cm apart
4. GrowFull sun
5. Harvest~120 days

Water: Low · Height: 100 cm · Soil: Well-draining, average to poor — intolerant of wet winter soil