Choosing planting

Growing Penstemons in pots

Tips for planting and care.

Contents

Modified the 26 January 2026 by Angélique 4 min. Difficulty: beginner

The penstemon, also called galane, is a perennial still little known, although it is interesting for its long flowering, which lasts from early summer to autumn. Native to the United States, it features, on a tuft of green, long, slender and evergreen leaves, tubular flowers reminiscent of foxgloves. These flowers colour the garden or balcony with touches of pink, purple, yellow, red, burgundy or white. The inside of the corolla is often speckled with purple or white. Their delicate flowering adds a natural, countryside touch. Penstemons last well in a vase and can also be used as cut flowers to be inserted into bouquets. Easy to care for, they grow to a height of 40 to 80 cm and can be grown in the ground as well as in pots. Discover our tips for growing a penstemon in a pot and enjoying its colourful and distinctive flowering on your balcony or terrace, from May to the first frosts.

Difficulty

Which Penstemon varieties are suitable for growing in pots?

Relatively compact, reaching 40 to 80 cm in height at maturity, penstemons are well suited to pot culture.

The Penstemon pinifolius ‘Mersea Yellow’ is a small plant about 30 cm tall, producing an abundance of small, bright-yellow bell-shaped flowers that brighten up pots in July and August. Needle-like foliage is light green and evergreen. Not very hardy, it can be easily brought indoors to shelter from frosts when grown in a pot. It should be planted in full sun in a well-drained, moist soil.

A little larger, Penstemon glaber reaches 40 cm in height and yields spikes of campanulate violet flowers from June to August. Flowering appears on fine, lanceolate, semi-evergreen foliage. The flowers display mauve tones, ranging toward pink and blue-violet. The foliage is mid-green and then turns to bright pinkish-red. It is a hardy and reliable plant.

Autre galane de taille compacte, Penstemon ‘Pensham Laura’ reaches 50 cm in height and bears abundant, refined flowers, pink and white. Its bright pink bells feature a white throat. Hardy and weather-resistant, it looks wonderful in a container plantings provided it is placed in full sun and planted in a well-drained substrate.

A bit taller still, the Penstemon hybrid ‘Apple Blossom’ reaches 70 cm in height. It produces small tubular flowers in powder-pink from July to October. Not very hardy, it is water-wise and adaptable to any soil type. It’s a safe bet to try!

D’autres penstemons can also be grown in pots. Check our complete range of penstemons for inspiration.

Penstemon glaber, like all penstemons, is grown in pots

When and where to plant Penstemon in a pot?

Penstemons are planted in spring, in April and May, but they can also be planted in autumn in regions with a mild climate.
Preferably plant Penstemons in full sun, as this promotes a more abundant flowering. They can also be planted in partial shade in southern regions. Also ensure they are placed in a location sheltered from winds.

Penstemons provide a beautiful flowering in full sun (here, ‘Apple Blossom’)

How to grow Penstemon in a pot?

What type of pot?

All pot types are suitable for growing Penstemons: in terracotta, wood, plastic… However, terracotta pots aid root aeration.

What substrate?

Penstemons thrive in a draining and lightweight substrate, as they do not tolerate stagnant moisture, especially in winter.

Planting

Take a pot 30–50 cm in diameter or two to three times the size of the root ball. The bottom should be perforated to ensure good drainage.
Immerse the root ball in a basin of water for 10–15 minutes to hydrate it well.
Place a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot.
Fill with potting compost or garden soil to which you can add a little compost.
Place the plant in the centre of the pot and cover with the rest of the potting compost.
Firm the soil well to expel air pockets and ensure good contact between the potting compost and the roots.
Water thoroughly.
Add a layer of mulch to keep the substrate cool and moist

Maintenance

Watering

In the first year, water at least once a week. In subsequent years, you can space out watering. Keep substrate moist in summer, ensuring a more abundant flowering. Avoid overwatering.

Fertiliser

Lightly fork in some compost into the soil in spring, scratching the surface of the substrate.

Pruning

To keep plants vigorous, it is recommended to prune Penstemon at the beginning of spring, when new shoots begin to appear. Avoid pruning in autumn, as old stems and leaves provide protection in winter. Cut back the plant to 5–10 cm above the substrate level for vigorous plants and to 20–30 cm for others.
During summer flowering, regularly remove spent flowers to encourage a new flowering.

Protection from frost

For penstemons that are not very hardy, mulch the base of the plant in autumn to protect it from frosts. Depending on the varieties and climate in your region, protect the plant with a frost protection fleece or bring the pot indoors for winter.

Pests and diseases

Penstemons are generally resistant to diseases and pests. They can however be attacked by powdery mildew, a disease characterised by a white down on the leaves. Treat by spraying a sulphur-based product, or a garlic infusion, or horsetail manure.
Slugs and snails can also attack young leaves. To deter them from the plant, scatter ash or wood chips at its base.
Penstemons can also be attacked by nematodes.
En complément, consultez nos fiches-conseils sur l’powdery mildew et les slugs.
Pour tout savoir sur le Penstemon, consultez notre fiche complète dédiée à la culture et l’entretien du Penstemon.