Bell-shaped, pale reddish-pink flowers with white throats streaked with red fill the upright stems above lance-shaped, mid-green foliage. Height 75cm. Spread 60cm. Flowers July to October. Full sun/partial shade. Fertile, moist, free-draining soil. Hardy.
Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’ is a graceful perennial known for its upright stems of bell-shaped, reddish-pink flowers with white, streaked throats. Ideal for borders, pollinator gardens, or mixed perennial schemes, this long-flowering variety brings soft colour from summer to autumn. Follow this care guide to help Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’ thrive in your garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’ is in spring, once the soil begins to warm. This allows for strong root development before the peak flowering period.
Early Autumn: Planting Penstemon in early autumn also works well, giving the roots time to settle before winter, which encourages robust growth the following season.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’ grows best in full sun or partial shade. A bright spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily will promote the best flowering.
Soil: Choose fertile, moist but free-draining soil. Penstemon dislikes waterlogged conditions, so improve drainage by incorporating compost or grit where needed.
Planting Instructions
Dig the Hole: Prepare a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. This gives the roots room to spread out comfortably.
Soil Preparation: Mix in organic compost to enrich the soil. This provides the nutrients Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’ needs to establish quickly.
Planting: Place the plant in the hole with the root ball level to the surface. Backfill with soil and press gently to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting. This helps settle the soil and kickstarts root growth.
Watering Requirements
During Growth: Keep Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’ well-watered while establishing. Once established, it prefers moist conditions but tolerates brief dry spells.
Avoid Overwatering: Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions to prevent root rot, especially in cooler periods.
Feeding
Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support strong growth and bud formation in Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’.
Mid-Summer Boost: Feed lightly again in mid-summer to prolong the flowering period and maintain plant vigour.
Pruning
Deadheading: Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. This also keeps Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’ neat and productive.
Autumn Cutback: After flowering finishes in autumn, cut stems back to just above ground level. This prepares the plant for dormancy and next year’s growth.
Mulching
Spring Mulch: Apply mulch around the base of your Penstemon in spring to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Winter Protection: A light mulch in winter protects the crown from temperature fluctuations and reduces frost damage.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’ usually stands upright without support, but in exposed areas, light staking can help prevent wind damage to the flowering stems.
Final Tips
Penstemon ‘Tayberry Ice’ is a rewarding, low-maintenance perennial that brings colour from July to October. By planting in fertile, free-draining soil with adequate sunlight and following this care plan, your Penstemon will flourish and become a long-lasting favourite in your garden. Use in mixed borders or cottage garden settings to enjoy months of soft colour and structure.
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