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Penstemon hybrida Purple Passion - Beardtongue

Penstemon x hybrida Purple Passion
Bellflower Beardtongue, Canterbury Bells Penstemon

4 reviews
4,3/5
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Gorgeous flowering, lots of flowers.

Jp, 23/08/2021

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

This beautiful shrub has long, elegant leaves and blooms with vibrant colours throughout the summer. Its large bells open in July and continue to renew until autumn. The flowers are a mix of lilac and violet, with a contrasting white throat that adds to their beauty. This perennial is moderately hardy and should be placed in the sun in cooler climates while being protected during winter. It thrives in neutral, well-drained soils and can withstand periods of drought.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
60 cm
Spread at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June
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Flowering time July to September
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Description

The Penstemon hybrid 'Purple Passion', often called Vine-plant, offers a seductive summer flowering with powerful and enchanting shades. From the month of July, beautiful bell-shaped flowers open, revealing a white throat and a robe between lilac and violet. This medium-sized perennial forms a beautiful bushy shrub with delicate and elegant foliage, which can remain in winter under suitable climates. Preferring the sun and being slightly sensitive to cold, it should be protected in cold regions. It brings colour to summer bouquets.

 

The flowers of the Penstemon resemble those of foxgloves. They indeed belong to the same family: the Scrophulariaceae. They are large bell-shaped flowers arranged in tiers on the upper part of the stems. As its name suggests, the shades of 'Purple Passion' will be between red and violet. Sometimes leaning towards lilac, sometimes towards violet, they have beautiful, intense, velvety reflections that contrast with the white interior of the bells. They easily reach a height of 60 cm (24in) and are carried by slender reddish stems punctuated by lanceolate green leaves, receptive to the slightest breath of wind. These leaves often sag slightly, and the shrub spreads over 50-60 cm (20-24in) wide. The foliage is semi-evergreen if winters are mild.

This perennial loves the sun but appreciates keeping its feet cool for a more beautiful flowering. It will, however, tolerate periods of temporary drought. It prefers neutral, rich, well-drained soils and tolerates frost between -5°C (23°F) and -10°C (14°F) if the soil is not too compact. In cold regions, it will need protection.

 

Penstemon 'Purple Passion' has rich colours that look beautiful in sunny flower beds and bouquets. It can be paired with pale and transparent colours to create a contrast or bold tones to create an ensemble. Our 'white, pink, purple' inspiration can help you find the perfect living companions for it. The shades of 'Purple Passion' range from pink, and blue, to violet and are prized for their natural and romantic appearance.

Penstemon hybrida Purple Passion - Beardtongue in pictures

Penstemon hybrida Purple Passion - Beardtongue (Flowering) Flowering
Penstemon hybrida Purple Passion - Beardtongue (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour mauve
Flowering time July to September
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 4 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Semi-evergreen
Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Penstemon

Species

x hybrida

Cultivar

Purple Passion

Family

Scrophulariaceae

Other common names

Bellflower Beardtongue, Canterbury Bells Penstemon

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

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Planting and care

To grow hybrid penstemons successfully, it is important to pay attention to the soil. These plants prefer soil that is well-drained, fresh to dry, and rich. In winter, it is especially important to ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent the plants from rotting. If the soil is too wet, the plants will quickly deteriorate. 

 

Depending on the climate, penstemons should be placed in different locations. In cooler climates, it is best to place the plants in a warm and sunny location that is sheltered from cold winds, ideally with a south or west exposure. For hotter climates, it is better to choose a cooler and partially shaded area.

 

Penstemons do not have any specific diseases and require minimal maintenance. When removing faded flowers in autumn, it is important to lightly shorten the deflowered stems without cutting them down to the ground. This is especially important in regions with humid winters as the foliage plays an important role in moisture regulation. 

 

It is best to wait until spring is well established (usually between March and April) to shorten branches whose foliage has been damaged by the cold. If the summer is dry, it is important to water the plants regularly to support flowering. In colder regions, it is recommended to cover the stump with a glass or a frame to protect it from severe cold. 

 

Finally, it is advisable to divide penstemons every three or four years to rejuvenate them. However, it is best to wait until spring to perform this operation. 

 

If your garden is in a cold region, it is important to note that Penstemon 'Purple Passion' is not very hardy and can barely withstand temperatures lower than -5°C (23°F). It is recommended to take stem cuttings in autumn to ensure their survival.

Planting period

Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Moist soil, rich and well-draining

Care

Pruning instructions When removing faded flowers during autumn, it's important to slightly shorten the withered stems without cutting them down to the soil. Don't trim the branches whose foliage has been damaged by the cold until spring is well established (around March-April). Additionally, be sure to regularly remove any faded flowers.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Needs protection
4,3/5
3 reviews
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1 reviews
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