How to Grow Penstemon
Purchase seeds or seedlings., Prepare the garden bed., Plant the seeds, seedlings or cuttings., Pinch out early growth., Water regularly until well established., Deadhead the expired flowers., Add fertilizer to the penstemon in early spring each...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Purchase seeds or seedlings.
These can be bought online or from a nursery.
Alternatively, for more true-to-type flowers, grow them from cuttings. -
Step 2: Prepare the garden bed.
The soil should be rich, free-draining but rich.
Add a little well-rotted compost or manure.
If growing alpine penstemons, they don't need the soil to be enriched.
Choose a sunny or dappled shade position.
Mulch well if in a cold area. , Planting should take place in mid- to late spring.
Leave 45 centimeter (17.7 in) (18") between each Penstemon plant. , This will encourage the formation of more stems, and therefore more flowers. , Once established, the mature plant can draw much water from the soil but supplement this with weekly to bi-weekly watering if it's hot and dry. , This will encourage new growth and more flowering, extending the flowering season. , This will ensure vigorous growth. , This is to prevent a woody and straggly appearance.
They can be trimmed hard once winter is over.
Remove old flower spikes as cuttings once the new shoots appear in spring. -
Step 3: Plant the seeds
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Step 4: seedlings or cuttings.
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Step 5: Pinch out early growth.
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Step 6: Water regularly until well established.
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Step 7: Deadhead the expired flowers.
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Step 8: Add fertilizer to the penstemon in early spring each year.
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Step 9: Prune yearly.
Detailed Guide
These can be bought online or from a nursery.
Alternatively, for more true-to-type flowers, grow them from cuttings.
The soil should be rich, free-draining but rich.
Add a little well-rotted compost or manure.
If growing alpine penstemons, they don't need the soil to be enriched.
Choose a sunny or dappled shade position.
Mulch well if in a cold area. , Planting should take place in mid- to late spring.
Leave 45 centimeter (17.7 in) (18") between each Penstemon plant. , This will encourage the formation of more stems, and therefore more flowers. , Once established, the mature plant can draw much water from the soil but supplement this with weekly to bi-weekly watering if it's hot and dry. , This will encourage new growth and more flowering, extending the flowering season. , This will ensure vigorous growth. , This is to prevent a woody and straggly appearance.
They can be trimmed hard once winter is over.
Remove old flower spikes as cuttings once the new shoots appear in spring.
About the Author
Edward James
Edward James has dedicated 4 years to mastering lifestyle and practical guides. As a content creator, Edward focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
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