Clusters of small, white-throated, deep ruby-red bell-shaped flowers appear for several months from midsummer above the mounds of mid-green foliage. Height 90cm. Spread 60cm. Flowers from July to October. Full sun/partial shade. Hardy.
Penstemon ‘Port Wine’ is a striking perennial prized for its deep ruby-red, white-throated bell-shaped flowers and bushy, mid-green foliage. Flowering from midsummer to autumn, this hardy plant brings months of vibrant colour and pollinator interest to any border or mixed display. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to ensure your Penstemon ‘Port Wine’ thrives and delivers stunning blooms year after year.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Penstemon ‘Port Wine’ in spring when the soil has begun to warm. This allows the roots to establish strongly ahead of the flowering period.
Early Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn to give roots time to settle before winter dormancy. This supports healthy growth when spring returns.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Choose a position with full sun to partial shade. Penstemon ‘Port Wine’ performs best with at least 5–6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Soil: Ensure the soil is fertile, well-drained, and not prone to waterlogging. Incorporate compost or organic matter to enrich poor soils.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Site: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
Soil Conditioning: Mix compost into the planting hole to boost drainage and nutrients.
Planting: Place Penstemon ‘Port Wine’ so that the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil and firm gently to eliminate air pockets.
Initial Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the plant settle in.
Watering Requirements
During Growth: Water regularly in the first season, especially during dry periods. Once established, Penstemon is relatively drought tolerant.
Avoid Overwatering: Let the top layer of soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
Feeding
Spring Feed: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to fuel healthy growth and flowering.
Mid-Season Boost: A second light feed in midsummer can prolong flowering and boost vigour.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading: Remove faded blooms from Penstemon ‘Port Wine’ regularly to promote continuous flowering from July to October.
Autumn Cutback: After flowering ends in autumn, cut stems back to just above ground level to encourage strong regrowth.
Mulching
Spring Mulch: Apply mulch around the base of Penstemon ‘Port Wine’ in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Winter Protection: A winter mulch helps insulate roots and reduce frost damage during cold spells.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Although generally self-supporting, Penstemon ‘Port Wine’ may benefit from light staking in exposed, windy areas to prevent stem damage.
Final Tips
Penstemon ‘Port Wine’ is a low-maintenance perennial perfect for cottage gardens, borders, and wildlife-friendly plantings. By giving it a sunny spot, good drainage, and regular deadheading, you’ll enjoy months of vibrant, bee-attracting blooms. With a height of 90cm and spread of 60cm, ‘Port Wine’ fits beautifully into mixed planting schemes and offers long-lasting seasonal colour.
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