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Penstemon

Penstemon

Question from philippe berthoud
1632 2
I have planted several penstemon last year and all have not survived the winter. They had a magnificent display and I was looking forward to see them flower again this year. Soil is heavy clay to which I added a lot of mushroom compost. Full sun. Surrey Hampshire border. Any suggestions?
Posted: Sunday 12th of June 2011 10:50 AM

  • Re: Penstemon

    Angie Robertson
    I think the solution to your problem is to take cuttings from the plants at an appropriate time. Carol Klein done a feature on Penstemons on a TV show last year. When I watched the show, I realised that all those beautiful Penstemons I had bought last year were not going to survive but I don't have the facility to take cuttings and keep them over the winter.
    I'm not an expert just a beginner gardener so am unable to give you any more advice that this, hopefully someone will give you better advice. Angie
    Replied: Monday 13th of June 2011 12:10 AM

    • Re: Re: Penstemon

      Nicola
      Hi both - we have an about penstemon video on YouTube by plant nursery owner Bryn Bowles. The sound quality isn't great but could be of use??
      Best regards, Nicola
      Replied: Monday 13th of June 2011 08:11 AM

    • Re: Re: Penstemon

      philippe berthoud
      Thank you
      Philippe
      Replied: Tuesday 14th of June 2011 07:06 AM

  • Re: Penstemon

    Kathy N
    Hi, Philippe,
    Did you give them a thick, dry, winter mulch? If so, I think any you plant this year will survive winter.
    Kathy C.
    Replied: Monday 13th of June 2011 07:17 PM

    • Re: Re: Penstemon

      philippe berthoud
      No, they were planted in wet heavy clay so the damp site may be the problem
      Replied: Tuesday 14th of June 2011 07:07 AM

      • Re: Re: Re: Penstemon

        Shoot User
        I have several of these and all have survived a few winters now. I have heavy clay soil too but have incorporated lots of manure and have 'built up' my borders so they rise above the garden grass and dont sit in water. i live near Liverpool/Manchester.
        Cuttings take really easily too.
        Replied: Thursday 14th of August 2014 02:05 PM
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