Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Necklace’

Description

Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Necklace’ is a striking semi-evergreen perennial known for its bright rose-pink tubular flowers with white throats and a distinctive white band. Flowering from July to October, it reaches a height of up to 1.2m with a 60cm spread. Ideal for borders and pollinator-friendly gardens, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Hardy and long-flowering, it adds height, colour, and elegance to any planting scheme.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Necklace’ is in spring, giving roots a full season to establish before flowering begins in summer.
• Early Autumn: Planting in early autumn is also effective, allowing the plant to settle and strengthen before winter dormancy.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Necklace’ flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Choose a position that benefits from at least 4–6 hours of light daily to promote an extended blooming period.
• Soil: Plant Penstemon in moist but well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, water-retentive soil. Improve drainage and fertility by adding compost or well-rotted manure.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This allows ample space for the roots of the plant to spread.
2. Soil Enhancement: Mix organic material like compost into the planting hole to encourage healthy root development.
3. Positioning the Plant: Place the plant so that the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface. Gently firm the soil around it.
4. Initial Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.

Watering Requirements

• During the active growing and flowering season, water Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Necklace’ regularly, especially in dry periods. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Reduce watering in cooler months to avoid soggy soil, which can damage the roots.

Feeding

• In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.
• A second light feed in midsummer will support prolonged flowering and strengthen the plant.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers from Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Necklace’ to promote new blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Autumn Cutback: In late autumn, lightly trim back the plant. Avoid cutting back too hard before winter—leave some top growth to protect the crown from cold.

Mulching

• Apply a generous layer of mulch in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure around your Penstemon.
• Reapply mulch in late autumn to insulate the roots during colder months.

Supporting the Plant

• Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Necklace’ grows upright and generally does not need staking. However, in exposed areas, support may be required to prevent stems from flopping under the weight of flowers.

Final Tips

Penstemon ‘Pershore Pink Necklace’ is a hardy, long-flowering perennial that adds vibrant colour from midsummer to autumn. With minimal maintenance and good drainage, it rewards gardeners with bold rose-pink blooms year after year. Incorporate ‘Pershore Pink Necklace’ into borders, cottage gardens, or pollinator-friendly plantings to enjoy both beauty and biodiversity. For best results, follow these simple care steps and your Penstemon will thrive season after season.