Beard Tongue (syn. Garnet)

Penstemon Andenken an Friedrich Hahn

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy (borderline)
  
  Elegant spikes of small, tubular, foxglove-like flowers appear from July to October among lance-shaped, bright green leaves. This vibrant, easy-to-grow perennial commemorates an 18th century German astronomer. It will quickly form large, leafy clumps and is perfect for adding a splash of colour to the middle of a sunny, well-drained border. The sumptuous, deep wine-red flowers contrast well with acid greens and silver leaved plants or with wispy grasses and spiky leaves.
  
  
• Garden care: Remove the faded blooms regularly to prolong flowering. Cut back and compost the spent flower stems in autumn and apply a dry mulch around the crown of the plant to protect against frost damage. Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.