Penstemon spp. Blue

Common Name:
Beardtongue (Blue Penstemon)

Description:
Penstemon spp. ‘Blue’ is a striking herbaceous perennial admired for its tall spikes of vivid blue, tubular flowers that bring long-lasting colour to the garden. Blooming from late spring through summer and often into early autumn, these elegant flowers rise above neat clumps of mid-green foliage, creating a soft, cottage-style aesthetic. Highly suited to Melbourne’s climate, blue penstemons prefer a sunny position with well-drained soil and moderate watering, showing good tolerance to dry periods once established. Their upright growth habit makes them ideal for adding vertical interest to borders and mixed plantings, while their nectar-rich blooms are particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Regular deadheading encourages repeat flowering, and light pruning helps maintain a tidy, bushy form.

Form:
Shrub - Small
Herbaceous

Mature Size:
Height: 60–90 cm
Width: 40–60 cm

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer
Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:
Blue
Violet-blue tones

Key Attributes:
Bee Attracting
Bird Attracting
Drought Tolerant
Herbaceous
Perennial
Suitable for Pots

Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

Companion Plants:
Salvia
Lavender
Gaura
Echinacea
Nepeta