Mother of Pearl Penstemon Plants

Mother of Pearl Penstemons

Penstemon Mother of Pearl is a mainstay of the summer and early autumn border, with one of the longest flowering seasons of all, running from July until the first frosts. Mother of Pearl has bell-shaped, pale pink flowers tinged with pearl and lilac, with lines of deep pink and/or red in the throat. 

Sometimes called beardtongue, it reaches 90 cm tall, with upright spires of flowers looking a little like narrow foxgloves. These spring from attractive semi-evergreen narrow, glossy foliage which have some resistance to slugs.

Great In Your Garden...

Mother of Pearl's easy-going nature and extended flowering period make it a go-to plant for mixed or herbaceous borders. As long as the soil is moist but well drained, it will grow well, but avoid cold, heavy unimproved clays that can become waterlogged in winter. In sun, grow it alongside Achilleas, Nepeta Purrsian Blue or members of the daisy family - Echinacea and Rudbeckia.

In partial shade, it will perform happily alongside hostas, anemones and geraniums. Penstemons are very attractive to bees, so are ideal for a wildlife garden. They will also grow well in large containers but don't let them dry out and keep deadheading for more flushes of flowers.

Interplant them with daffodils and spring-flowering perennials or those with leaf interest like Brunnera Looking Glass or Ajuga Black Scallop to sit around the plants' feet.

Features

• Colour: Pearly-pink with red/pink throat stripes.
• Flowering: July to October.
• Foliage: Mid-green narrow leaves.
• Height: 1m.
• Spread: 60cm.
• Spacing: 60cm.
• Position: Sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Any moist and well drained, except heavy clay.

Did You Know...

A pearl wedding anniversary means you have been married for 30 years - Penstemon Mother of Pearl is the ideal gift to give to the lucky couple.

Likes sun or partial shade. Add organic matter when planting 60cm apart. Water well until established. Leave one-third of stems over winter and cover with straw to protect crown. Suitable for containers.

Deadhead after flowering. Remove all old stems at the base in late spring once new shoots emerge. Feed in spring with general fertiliser and divide if needed. Protect against downy mildew.