Penstemon 'Rich Ruby'
beard tongue
- 9cm pot
- £8.99
- available to order from late spring
- 3 × 9cm pots
- £24.00 £8.00 each
- available to order from late spring
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to October
- Hardiness: frost hardy (will need winter protection in cold areas)
Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’ forms upright clumps of bright green, semi-evergreen foliage, from which wiry, purple-flushed stems rise to carry generous clusters of deep red, bell-shaped blooms. The flowers sit proudly above the leaves, creating an airy yet colourful display that starts in mid-summer and often continues well into autumn, giving the garden a welcome splash of late-season colour.
Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this cultivated variety works brilliantly in sunny borders, mixed cottage-style planting and even large patio containers, where its long flowering season keeps things lively for months.
Easy to grow once established, it’s happy in most soils as long as drainage is good and will tolerate both dry spells and typical British weather. Pollinators
Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this cultivated variety works brilliantly in sunny borders, mixed cottage-style planting and even large patio containers, where its long flowering season keeps things lively for months.
Easy to grow once established, it’s happy in most soils as long as drainage is good and will tolerate both dry spells and typical British weather. Pollinators
Plant penstemons in well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. Water regularly until established, then reduce watering, as they prefer drier conditions once settled.
Deadhead faded blooms frequently to extend the flowering season. In autumn, leave the top growth in place to provide winter protection, then cut back in spring when new shoots emerge lower down the stems.
Apply a dry mulch, such as bark or composted straw, around the base in colder regions to insulate the roots from frost. Every few years, lift and divide congested clumps in spring to maintain vigour and encourage fresh growth.
Deadhead faded blooms frequently to extend the flowering season. In autumn, leave the top growth in place to provide winter protection, then cut back in spring when new shoots emerge lower down the stems.
Apply a dry mulch, such as bark or composted straw, around the base in colder regions to insulate the roots from frost. Every few years, lift and divide congested clumps in spring to maintain vigour and encourage fresh growth.