GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Beardtongue

Penstemon · Perennial

Hardiness
— Varies by species (Species-specific rating required: Check the exact species and cultivar before overwintering)
Position
Full sun
Height × Spread
10–300 cm × 45–60 cm
Soil
well-drained soil
Flowering
June–October
Toxicity
Relatively little is known about toxicity in penstemons and there are no reports of poisonings. However, species such as dusky penstemon (Penstemon whippleanus) are known to contain several alkaloids.

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🌱 Sow
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower

Watch out for

Slugs and snails: Use physical barriers like copper tape or apply iron phosphate pellets around the base.

Aphids: Squash by hand, blast off with water, or use insecticidal soap for severe infestations.

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage; treat with a sulphur-based fungicide if necessary.

Grey mould (Botrytis): Remove affected plant parts immediately and ensure good air circulation to reduce humidity.

Leaf and bud eelworms: Dig up and destroy infected plants; avoid replanting penstemons in the same soil.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/penstemon© GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia