Stones River Market
Murfreesboro, TN

Penstemons come from areas with rough growing conditions and should never be exposed to wet or damp earth. A thin, rocky soil in full sun is best. Penstemon species are often used in xeriscape landscaping, as many are native to desert or alpine regions and thus quite hardy. Native Americans long used Penstemon roots to relieve toothache. Foliage is evergreen in warmer climates. Tubular flowers are in clusters atop strong stems, somewhat like foxglove, and blooming from spring into summer. Plants are best set out in groups so that a mass of flowers is in view. Cut back each stem after flowering to a place just above a set of leaves that show new growth. You may get another flowering later in the summer or early fall. Wait until all chance of a freeze is over, then cut back your penstemon, leaving stems that are just 6 inches long. This way, the plant will bush out and have a more compact form.
close

Penstemons come from areas with rough growing conditions and should never be exposed to wet or damp earth. A thin, ... more