These hybrid perennials to sub-shrubs have upright-spreading stems that form a compact rounded habit. They have mid to dark green lanced-shaped leaves and the bell-shaped flowers appear in a raceme in wide range of colours during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Penstemon hybrids are naturally found in North and Central America and generally these plants require a well-drained organic rich soil with reliable moisture during summer. They grow in a sunny to semi-shaded wind protected position and are moderately frost tolerant but drought tender.

Beard-Tongue is grown for their colourful flowers and rounded habit. They are planted in small or cottage gardens along borders or used in rockeries. They are also mass planted for bedding displays in parks and public places or grown in pots and tubs. There are large and small varieties available and are fast growing establishing in one season but may be short lived. ID 775

Penstemon (pen-STAY-mon) hybrids

Scrophulariaceae (skrof-yoo-larr-ee-AY-see-ee)
Figwort and Foxglove Family