Bell-shaped, pale blue flowers with purple streaks and white throats fill the upright stems above lance-shaped, mid-green foliage. Height 75cm. Spread 60cm. Flowers June to October. Full sun/partial shade. Fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Hardy.
Penstemon ‘Stapleford Gem’ is a charming perennial featuring bell-shaped pale blue flowers with purple streaks and white throats atop upright stems. Growing to about 75cm tall and spreading 60cm wide, this hardy plant blooms from June to October and thrives in full sun or partial shade with fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Penstemon ‘Stapleford Gem’ is in spring, when the soil begins to warm. This gives the roots a good chance to establish before the blooming season, leading to a stronger, healthier plant.
Autumn: Early autumn is another suitable time to plant Penstemon, allowing it to settle before winter dormancy and encouraging vigorous growth the following year.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Penstemon ‘Stapleford Gem’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to maximise flower production and overall plant health.
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Penstemon ‘Stapleford Gem’. Avoid waterlogged areas, as excess moisture can cause root rot. Enrich the planting area with organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Penstemon ‘Stapleford Gem’. This ensures ample room for root expansion.
Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the planting soil to boost nutrients and drainage quality. Penstemon benefits from fertile soil to support strong growth and vibrant flowering.
Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil to eliminate air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to help settle the soil and promote root establishment. Ensure good drainage to prevent standing water.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Penstemon prefers consistent moisture during active growth. Water regularly during dry spells but allow the soil surface to dry slightly between watering to avoid overwatering.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering in the off-season, only providing moisture if the soil becomes excessively dry.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support new growth and encourage abundant flowering for Penstemon ‘Stapleford Gem’.
Mid-Summer: A light feeding mid-season helps maintain flower production and plant vigour throughout the blooming period.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from your Penstemon to prolong the flowering season and encourage fresh blooms.
Autumn Pruning: After flowering finishes in autumn, cut the plant back to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy and encourage healthy regrowth next season.
Mulching
Spring: Add a layer of mulch around Penstemon ‘Stapleford Gem’ in spring to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. Organic mulches like bark chips or compost work best.
Winter: In colder months, mulch protects roots from frost and prevents soil movement caused by freezing and thawing.
Supporting the Plant
Penstemon ‘Stapleford Gem’ typically has sturdy stems and a compact habit, so staking is usually not necessary. However, if you grow it in exposed or windy sites, consider staking to prevent damage.
Final Tips
Penstemon ‘Stapleford Gem’ is a versatile, hardy perennial that adds delicate colour to any garden with its pale blue, streaked flowers. Plant it in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight or partial shade, and follow this care guide for a long-lasting display from early summer through autumn. This lovely plant is a fantastic addition to borders, beds, and mixed containers, brightening your outdoor space season after season.
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