Postage : Seeds only $4 / Plants $20
A vigorous perennial, carrying white throated, lavender, foxglove-like flowers, throughout the warmer months. Penstemons prefer an alkaline soil and are one of the few plants which thrive on a high pH. Penstemons resent root disturbance, so take care when planting. Cut back spent stems to promote flowering but leave a few to root into the ground.
A clumping perennial. Loose rosettes of glossy blue-green spoon shaped leaves form low compact clumps. In spring and again in autumn, tall open spires of dusky purple, tubular, pendant flowers, arise from the centre of each rosette. A splendid and resilient perennial for a sunny garden. Cut back stems when finished. RARE.
A short lived (2-3 years) but self seeding, clumping species from the Gulf of Mexico that contrary to most members of the genus is happy in heavy moist soil, humid heat and even some shade, grows equally well in a pot too. The Penstemon for gardeners who can't grow Penstemon.
Loose rosettes of pale green, red veined and rimmed, lance shaped leaves throw up vertical stems of small, but showy, bright purple, tubular flowers during spring and typically repeating in autumn.
Easily grown in any soil, preferably alkaline (it is still a Penstemon after all), where it will hopefully self seed, most likely in the most unsuitable places, which is okay as young plants transplant readily. Somewhat tolerant of dryness but not "drought" hardy like many other species, though still much more reliable than potted colour.
From the Italian Alps comes this unusual perennial member of the Campanula family.
Strange clusters of horn-like flowers in alluring blue-lavender shades are held on slender stems, above small mounds of dark green, toothed, broadly lance shaped leaves. When in flower it literally oozes elegance and charm.
Easily grown but best in well drained alkaline soil.
Makes an ideal potted specimen, perhaps with other plants of similar stature.