RE: Penstemons

Hi Cheryl,

I live in the Pacific NorthWET (western Oregon) and have had problems with penstemons as well.  The one that comes back reliably for me, and in fact spreads into a nice clump -- there is always some to share -- is Midlight Blue.  The flowers are not overly large, no real distinct throat like some of the real beauties, but a very nice purple, consistent bloomer and grower.

Marilyn Dube of this list has suggested making teepees of branches over penstemons in the winter to shed some of the water.  I intend to try this and thought I'd mention the tip again.

-----Original Message-----
From: Cheryl Isaak [c*@adelphia.net]
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2002 6:56 AM
To: perennials@hort.net
Subject: Re: Penstemons


Hi Colin,
I have found the Penstemons lovely but short lived. Three years at most for me!
This may be the conditions in my garden, but after 3 attempts, I 
never tried again.  I did just receive a few as a gift from a 
friend's garden, so I'll try again.
Local native lobelia require damp soil and some shade.
It is interesting how many hardy plants begin with H!

Cheryl

>In a previous post someone was asking about plants that look good this time
>of the year, one of the best perfomers in the uk at this time is Penstemons
>and also perennial lobelia 'Fan deep red' etc, but i don't recall these being
>mentioned in past listings. I'm intrigued as i believe that some penstemons
>are native to the US and i would have thought that they would be as popular
>as Hosta, Hem's and Heuchera, and assuming that it's not that it doesn't
>begin with an 'H' is it because they are not consistantly hardy?
>As part of the local Hardy Plant Soc conservation programme i have just been
>given responsibilty of Heuchera 'David' and wondered if anyone has knowledge
>of this and any special requirements or peculiarities?
>Following the thread on ' ornamental grasses' Stipa Gigantea always does
>spectacularly well, but the grass that seemed to benefit from the wet spring
>was Deschampsia Caespitosa 'goldschleer' , has turned from white frothy
>fountain of new flower spikes to a wonderful gold haze, obviously likes
>moisture.
>Great turnout to our local summer flower show weekend at 'Great Comp' over
>1200 visitors.
>relieved to delete half my 'mail to be read' small price for such a good list
>Chris
>Colin Moat
>Kent England
>
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-- 
Cheryl Isaak
Londonderry, NH
AHS Region 4, USDA Zone 4B/5A
growing, stitching and reading in NH

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