Penstemon ‘Pensham Avonbelle’

Description

Penstemon ‘Pensham Avonbelle’ is a striking perennial prized for its upright stems laden with bell-shaped, fuchsia-pink blooms featuring white centres. Flowering from July to October, it adds long-lasting colour to borders and beds. With mid-green lance-shaped foliage, this hardy plant reaches a height of around 80cm and spreads to 40cm. It thrives in fertile, moist, free-draining soil in full sun or partial shade and is especially attractive to pollinators.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Penstemon ‘Pensham Avonbelle’ is in spring, when soil temperatures are rising. This ensures strong root development before flowering begins.
• Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle before winter and promotes early growth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Penstemon ‘Pensham Avonbelle’ flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Choose a position that benefits from at least half a day of sunlight for the most abundant blooms.
• Soil: Penstemon prefers fertile, moist, yet well-drained soil. Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged areas. Improve drainage by incorporating compost or grit into the soil if needed.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your Penstemon ‘Pensham Avonbelle’.
2. Improve Soil: Mix in organic matter such as compost to enhance soil texture and nutrient content.
3. Positioning: Place the plant into the hole so that the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface. Backfill and firm gently.
4. Initial Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and support root establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Active Growth: Penstemon ‘Pensham Avonbelle’ needs regular watering during dry spells, especially in its first year. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Dormancy: Reduce watering during colder months. The plant requires little moisture while dormant, except during prolonged dry periods.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a general-purpose balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage lush foliage and strong flower stems
• Mid-Season Boost: A second light feeding in summer can help your Penstemon maintain a steady display of blooms.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to prolong the blooming period and encourage fresh buds.
• Autumn Trim: After flowering ends in autumn, cut back Penstemon ‘Pensham Avonbelle’ to just above ground level. This tidies the plant and prepares it for the next season.

Mulching

• Spring Mulch: Add a layer of organic mulch such as bark or well-rotted compost around the base in spring. This helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Winter Protection: A mulch layer in late autumn offers additional insulation for the roots during colder weather.

Supporting the Plant

Penstemon ‘Pensham Avonbelle’ usually maintains an upright form without support. However, in exposed or windy sites, light staking may help prevent the tall flower stems from flopping.

Final Tips

Penstemon ‘Pensham Avonbelle’ is a fantastic addition to any flower bed or border. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, this vibrant perennial offers months of colour. By planting in fertile, well-drained soil and ensuring it gets plenty of sunlight, your Penstemon will thrive and bloom beautifully year after year. Whether you’re refreshing a garden or planning pollinator-friendly planting, this Penstemon is an elegant and reliable choice.