Bell-shaped, deep purple flowers with white striped throats fill the upright stems above lance-shaped, mid green foliage. Height 80cm. Spread 40cm. Flowers July to October. Full sun/partial shade. Fertile, moist, free-draining soil. Hardy.
Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ is a beautiful semi-evergreen perennial known for its elegant, soft lilac-pink flowers with a pale throat and striking markings. Flowering from early summer into autumn, this hardy variety adds delicate charm and vertical interest to beds, borders, and wildlife-friendly gardens. Follow this planting guide to help your Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ thrive and bring long-lasting beauty to your outdoor space.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ is in spring when the soil starts to warm. This gives the plant plenty of time to establish strong roots ahead of its flowering season.
Early Autumn: Planting in early autumn also works well, giving your Penstemon a head start before winter, encouraging a healthier, bushier plant next year.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ flourishes in full sun. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day will ensure a profusion of blooms and strong, healthy growth.
Soil: Good drainage is essential. Penstemon performs best in fertile, well-drained soil. If necessary, add grit or compost to improve drainage and avoid waterlogging.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Site: Remove weeds and loosen the soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
Improve the Soil: Mix in compost or well-rotted organic matter to enhance the soil’s structure and nutrients.
Position the Plant: Place your Penstemon in the hole so the crown is level with the surface. Backfill gently and firm the soil.
Initial Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the plant settle in and establish roots.
Watering Requirements
During the Growing Season: Keep the soil lightly moist while Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ establishes. Once mature, it can tolerate some dry spells but benefits from occasional deep watering during hot, dry weather.
In Cooler Months: Reduce watering during autumn and winter. Only water if conditions are unusually dry.
Feeding
Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support vigorous new growth.
Mid-Summer Top-Up: A liquid feed in mid-summer can help prolong flowering and keep Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ looking its best.
Pruning and Maintenance
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flower spikes to encourage more blooms and extend the flowering season.
Autumn Cutback: After flowering ends in autumn, cut stems back to just above healthy leaf growth. Leave a few stems for winter protection.
Spring Trim: In early spring, tidy up your Penstemon by removing any remaining old growth to encourage fresh shoots.
Mulching and Protection
Spring Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ to conserve moisture, improve soil condition, and suppress weeds.
Winter Mulch: A thicker mulch in late autumn helps insulate the roots during colder months and improves overwintering success.
Supporting Growth
Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ typically grows upright with minimal support needed. In particularly exposed spots, light staking can help protect against wind damage.
Final Tips
Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ is an eye-catching and easy-to-care-for perennial that works wonderfully in mixed borders and pollinator-friendly plantings. Its long flowering period, soft tones, and graceful structure make it an excellent addition to both cottage-style and modern gardens. For the best results, divide every few years to rejuvenate the plant and continue enjoying your Penstemon ‘Pensham Bilberry Ice’ for seasons to come. With the right care, this Penstemon will reward you with a dazzling display of flowers and a low-maintenance gardening experience.
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