Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’

Description

Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’ is a stunning perennial that produces elegant, bell-shaped pink flowers with delicate white throats from mid-summer to autumn. Its upright stems rise above neat mounds of lance-shaped green foliage, making it a fantastic choice for borders, cottage-style gardens, and pollinator-friendly planting schemes. Follow this guide to help Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’ thrive and bloom beautifully in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’ is in spring. This allows the plant to settle in and begin active growth as the season progresses, leading to a robust, flowering plant by summer.
• Early Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn. This gives it enough time to establish roots before winter sets in, setting the stage for strong growth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’ flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Choose a position that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day for maximum flowering potential.
• Soil: Ensure your soil is fertile, moist, and free-draining. Penstemon will not tolerate waterlogged roots, so improve drainage with compost or grit in heavier soils.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Area: Clear the site of weeds and loosen the soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Soil Enrichment: Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
3. Planting: Place Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’ in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil and firm gently.
4. Water Thoroughly: Water well after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Watering Requirements

• Active Growth: Keep Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’ well-watered during dry spells, especially in its first growing season. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to avoid over-saturation.
• Dormancy: Reduce watering in cooler months when the plant is not actively growing. Water only if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring Feed: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support new growth and early flowering.
• Mid-Summer Boost: A liquid feed in mid-summer can encourage prolonged blooming and maintain plant vigour.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage repeat blooming and keep the plant looking neat.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering has finished in late autumn, cut back flower stems to just above a set of healthy leaves to prepare for winter.
• Spring Tidy-Up: In early spring, trim any dead or damaged growth to allow fresh new shoots to emerge.

Mulching and Winter Care

• Spring Mulch: Apply a mulch layer in spring to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.
• Winter Protection: In late autumn, mulch around the base of your Penstemon to protect the roots from cold temperatures.

Supporting the Plant

• Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’ generally holds its form well, but in windy areas or with particularly tall growth, light staking can prevent stem breakage.

Final Tips

Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’ is a long-flowering, low-maintenance perennial that brings graceful colour and movement to garden spaces. Its beautiful flowers attract bees and pollinators, making it a wildlife-friendly choice as well. To keep your Penstemon looking its best, divide established plants every few years to rejuvenate and maintain their health. With the right care and growing conditions, Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Lady’ will be a vibrant and reliable feature in your garden for many seasons to come.