Beard Tongue

Penstemon Stapleford Gem

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy (borderline)
  
  Vivid, almost luminous, lilac flowers are produced on tall stems among lance-shaped, bright green leaves. The flowers are tubular, rather like foxgloves, and if you deadhead regularly, they will persist until the first frosts. This pretty, easy-to-grow perennial will quickly form large, leafy clumps and is perfect for adding a splash of colour to the middle of a sunny, well-drained border.
  
  
• Garden care: Remove the faded blooms regularly to prolong flowering. Apply a dry mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from frost damage and cut back in spring when new shoots appear low down on the stem. Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.