Clusters of small, white-throated, deep reddish-pink bell-shaped flowers appear for several months from midsummer above the mounds of mid green foliage. Height 90m. Spread 60cm. Flowers from July to October. Full sun/partial shade. Hardy.
Penstemon ‘King George V’ is a striking perennial valued for its deep reddish-pink, bell-shaped flowers with white throats. Flowering from midsummer through to autumn, it adds vibrant colour and height to borders and beds. To help your Penstemon ‘King George V’ thrive, follow this detailed planting and care guide.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Penstemon ‘King George V’ is in spring, once the soil is workable and starting to warm. This gives the plant time to establish before blooming begins in summer.
Early Autumn: You can also plant in early autumn. This gives roots time to settle before the dormant season, leading to strong growth next year.
Site Selection
Sunlight: For best flowering performance, position your Penstemon in full sun or partial shade. A spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily encourages lush blooms.
Soil: Choose fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, waterlogged areas, as Penstemon dislikes soggy roots. Improve soil drainage by incorporating compost or organic matter.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Ground: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Soil Conditioning: Mix in well-rotted compost or grit to enrich soil and boost drainage.
Planting: Place Penstemon ‘King George V’ at the same depth it was in the pot. Backfill with soil and firm gently.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help roots establish. Avoid waterlogging the area.
Watering Needs
During the growing season, water during dry spells. Let the soil dry slightly between watering sessions.
Reduce watering in the cooler months. Only water if the soil becomes very dry.
Feeding Schedule
Apply a balanced, general-purpose fertiliser in spring to boost early growth.
A light feeding in midsummer will support extended blooming for Penstemon ‘King George V’.
Pruning & Maintenance
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to extend blooming and keep Penstemon ‘King George V’ looking tidy.
Autumn Care: After the last flush of flowers, cut back faded stems but leave some growth to protect the crown in winter.
Mulching
In spring, apply mulch around the base of your Penstemon to conserve moisture, enrich the soil, and suppress weeds.
A winter mulch can also help insulate roots from harsh temperatures.
Support
While generally upright, taller stems of Penstemon ‘King George V’ may benefit from light staking in exposed or windy areas.
Final Tips
Penstemon ‘King George V’ is a hardy, long-flowering perennial perfect for adding colour from summer through autumn. With full sun, good drainage, and regular deadheading, it will reward you with stunning blooms season after season. Incorporate ‘King George V’ into mixed borders, cottage-style gardens, or wildlife-friendly planting schemes for maximum impact.
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