Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’

Description

Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’ is a hardy perennial known for its clusters of deep reddish-pink, white-throated bell-shaped flowers that bloom from July to October. Growing to around 80cm tall with a spread of 60cm, it forms bushy mounds of mid-green foliage and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It’s perfect for borders and pollinator-friendly planting schemes.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’ in spring, once the soil has warmed up. This allows the plant to develop strong roots before the flowering period.
• Autumn: You can also plant in early autumn, giving the plant time to establish before winter dormancy.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Choose a position in full sun or partial shade. Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’ thrives with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to promote a long flowering season.
• Soil: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid soggy conditions, as Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’ is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil. Improve heavy soils with compost or grit to aid drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Dig the Hole: Make a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball to give the roots ample room.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in well-rotted compost to boost soil fertility and drainage.
3. Positioning: Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill gently and firm the soil.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and remove any air pockets around the roots.

Watering Requirements

• During active growth, water Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’ regularly but allow the soil to dry out between watering.
• Once established, this perennial is fairly drought-tolerant. In cooler months, reduce watering to avoid excess moisture around the roots.

Feeding

• In spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support strong early growth.
• For an extra boost, a second light feed in mid-summer will enhance the flowering performance of Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continued blooming through the summer and early autumn.
• Autumn Pruning: Cut stems back by about one-third in autumn to tidy the plant and encourage a compact shape for the next season.

Mulching

• Apply a mulch of compost or bark around the base in spring. This helps conserve moisture, improve soil structure, and suppress weeds.
• Reapply in winter to insulate the roots and protect Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’ from harsh weather fluctuations.

Supporting the Plant

• Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’ has upright stems that generally don’t need staking. In exposed areas, light support may prevent wind damage.

Final Tips

Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’ is a rewarding, long-flowering perennial that brings vibrant reddish-pink blooms to the garden from midsummer into autumn. With minimal maintenance, regular deadheading, and proper soil care, Penstemon ‘Maurice Gibbs’ will thrive and return year after year. Add this reliable favourite to beds, borders, or containers for lasting colour and pollinator interest in your garden.