Penstemon 'Pensham Bilberry Ice' (Pensham Series)
beard tongue
Dark purple stems rise from a neat clump of deep green, lance-shaped leaves, carrying a generous run of tubular blooms...
9cm pot
£8.99
available to order from spring 2027
3 × 9cm pots
£19.99
£6.66 each
available to order from spring 2027
6 × 9cm pots
£33.99
£5.67 each
available to order from spring 2027
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Plant description
Dark purple stems rise from a neat clump of deep green, lance-shaped leaves, carrying a generous run of tubular blooms that blend violet and rich purple-blue tones. Each flower opens to reveal a bright white throat splashed with plum markings, creating strong contrast and plenty of detail up close.
Flowering freely throughout summer, Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ brings height and movement to sunny borders, wildlife planting and relaxed cottage garden schemes. Bees and butterflies are regular visitors, drawn to the nectar-rich flowers, while the sturdy stems also make excellent additions to fresh cut arrangements indoors.
Flowering freely throughout summer, Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ brings height and movement to sunny borders, wildlife planting and relaxed cottage garden schemes. Bees and butterflies are regular visitors, drawn to the nectar-rich flowers, while the sturdy stems also make excellent additions to fresh cut arrangements indoors.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
How to care for Penstemon Pensham Bilberry Ice (Pensham Series):
Plant penstemons in well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. Water regularly until established, then reduce watering, as they prefer drier conditions once settled.
Deadhead faded blooms frequently to extend the flowering season. In autumn, leave the top growth in place to provide winter protection, then cut back in spring when new shoots emerge lower down the stems.
Apply a dry mulch, such as bark or composted straw, around the base in colder regions to insulate the roots from frost. Every few years, lift and divide congested clumps in spring to maintain vigour and encourage fresh growth.
Deadhead faded blooms frequently to extend the flowering season. In autumn, leave the top growth in place to provide winter protection, then cut back in spring when new shoots emerge lower down the stems.
Apply a dry mulch, such as bark or composted straw, around the base in colder regions to insulate the roots from frost. Every few years, lift and divide congested clumps in spring to maintain vigour and encourage fresh growth.
Please note:
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
