Bell-shaped, mid-purple tubular flowers with white throats streaked with purple fill the upright stems above lance-shaped, semi-evergreen foliage. Height 60cm. Spread 50cm. Flowers June to October. Full sun/partial shade. Moist, well-drained soil. Hardy.
Penstemon Volcano ‘Vesuvius’ is a compact, hardy perennial prized for its upright spikes of mid-purple, tubular, bell-shaped flowers with striking white throats streaked in purple. Flowering from June to October, it adds vivid colour to borders and beds. With a mature height of 60cm and spread of 50cm, Penstemon thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Follow this comprehensive planting and care guide to enjoy a flourishing display year after year.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Penstemon Volcano ‘Vesuvius’ in spring when the soil begins to warm. This gives roots time to establish and encourages strong flowering during summer.
Early Autumn: Planting Penstemon in early autumn allows the plant to settle before winter, setting the stage for vigorous growth in the following season.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Penstemon performs best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Ensure your site receives at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day for best flowering.
Soil: Choose fertile, moist, but well-drained soil. Penstemon Volcano ‘Vesuvius’ does not tolerate waterlogged roots, so improve drainage with compost or grit if needed.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of Penstemon Volcano ‘Vesuvius’.
Soil Preparation: Mix organic compost into the soil to boost fertility and drainage.
Positioning: Set Penstemon Volcano ‘Vesuvius’ in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
Backfill and Firm: Fill in the hole, gently firming the soil around the base.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Water regularly in the first year until established. Once mature, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from watering during prolonged dry periods.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly in winter to avoid excess moisture around the roots.
Feeding
Spring: Feed your Penstemon with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support strong growth.
Mid-Summer: Apply a light top-up feed to prolong blooming and support overall plant health.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers on Penstemon Volcano ‘Vesuvius’ to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
Autumn Cutback: In late autumn, trim back the stems to just above ground level to help the plant conserve energy over winter.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a mulch layer around the base of Penstemon Volcano ‘Vesuvius’ in spring to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Winter: A thicker mulch in winter helps insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.
Supporting the Plant
Penstemon Volcano ‘Vesuvius’ has strong, upright stems, but in exposed or windy areas, consider light staking to prevent leaning or breakage during heavy rain or gusts.
Final Tips
Penstemon Volcano ‘Vesuvius’ is a low-maintenance, high-impact perennial that adds height, colour, and movement to any garden border. By providing moist, well-drained soil, regular deadheading, and occasional feeding, this Penstemon will reward you with a long-lasting floral display from early summer through to mid-autumn. Incorporate Volcano ‘Vesuvius’ into mixed borders or cottage-style gardens for a burst of vibrant purple colour and a pollinator-friendly feature.
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