Vesuvius Penstemon Plants

Penstemon 'Vesuvius' - Volcano Series

This purple Penstemon is a something a bit different from the usual reds or pinks, and could almost be mistaken for a wild foxglove at a distance. 

Browse all of our perennial plants.

Features

• Colour: Purple with white throat
• Flowering: Jun-Oct
• Foliage: linear, semi-evergreen
• Height x Spread: 75cm x 35cm
• Spacing: 40cm
• Position: full sun to semi-shade
• Soil: moist, well drained
• RHS Plants for Pollinators

Growing Penstemons 

Plant in full sun or light shade, a south or west-facing border is ideal, and they'll thrive in pots on a sunny patio as long as they're well-watered.
Dig in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure before planting to enrich the soil.

Cut back in spring (also divide and replant sections of mature plants) or they'll become leggy and woody.
Deadhead to keep blooms coming until the first frosts.
Use a generous mulch to protect the roots over winter. With an RHS Hardiness Rating of H4, it is not recommended for the coldest parts of Scotland unless grown in a pot and moved under shelter in winter. 

Dig in well-rotted garden compost when planting, in full sun or light shade. Space 40cm apart and water in well. Keep watered until established.

Leave growth on until winter is over. Cut back hard in spring to make way for new growth. Remove spent flower stems to encourage more flowers. Mulch well in autumn. Divide congested clumps in spring