Penstemon Miniature Bells Seeds - Beardtongue

Penstemons of the variety 'Miniature Bells' are compact, bushy and abundantly flowering hybrids that are perfect for brightening up sunny borders and window boxes throughout the summer. These pretty beardtongues have spikes loaded with small campanulate bells in shades of pink, mauve or purple, depending on the plant, which emerge from elegant bluish-green foliage. They are accommodating perennials that will thrive in any well-drained soil without excess limestone, in the sun. 

Penstemon of the Mexicali group are horticultural hybrids, resulting from the cross-breeding between the semi-hardy Mexican species that displays large, very colourful flowers and the more robust and hardy North American species. These beardtongues combine the qualities of both parents and are rather easy to grow in our climates provided they are planted in soil that does not retain water excessively (especially in winter) and that they benefit from at least 6 hours of sunshine per day. They are fast growing and are capable of flowering within 24 months of sowing. The plants produced can self-seed freely in the garden, making it possible to grow them almost like biennials.

'Miniature Bells' groups together compact varieties, in shades ranging from pink to violet-purple. Each reaches an average height of 45 cm and width of 40 cm once fully grown. Its branched stems are covered with fine, lanceolate, bluish-green foliage. The flowering is abundant and lasts from June to October, appearing on the extremities of the leafy stems. They form small, campanulate, bells with 5 lobes. They are most often white at the throat and come in hues of fresh pink, magenta pink, lilac, mauve or dark purplish-pink, depending on the plant. Purple veins sometimes run from the base to the tip of the corolla. The blooms are much visited by butterflies and foraging insects.

Penstemon 'Miniature Bells' is useful in borders and in raised perennial beds, along with lily of the Nile, caryopteris, Rhodanthemum hosmariense, African daisies or mixed with annuals such as love-in-a-mist. It will mingle nicely between the stones of a rock garden (in soil that is not too chalky), with rosemary, lavender-cotton, rockrose or sagebrush. It also performs very well in pots, provided the medium is properly drained and fertilizer is applied on a regular basis. Penstemons also make very good cut flowers.