William Thompson (founder of Thompson & Morgan) wrote in 1855 that "were we so unfortunate as to be compelled to limit our collection of plants to two genera, we think we should, without hesitation, select for one of these the Penstemons, and for the other, the Salvias ". The attraction of penstemons was concisely described by my favourite Penstemon book as 'abundance, colour, and charm'. We started to experiment with penstemons a few years ago, are slowly learning to appreciate/use penstemon. I think it is a group of perennials that should be used more in the garden here. Unfortunately, not too many varieties are available in the nurseries here. The various types of penstemons appear to vary widely in form; ranging from a compact groundcover to tall and floppy forms.
Some of our penstemons are sown from seed, and a few are from the nurseries. Here are some preliminary results of our attempts. We do not have pictures for all varieties that are grown in our garden.
I like thier bright colour spikes dancing in the garden. Unfortunately, they seem to flop as soon as they start to bloom. These are sown from seeds a few years ago.
These penstemons provide abundant bloom spikes and come in many different bautiful colours. They are compact and self-supporting. I need more of them and should have taken better care of them.
Although the striking deep wine red leaves do not appear to stay long, the abundant dark colour stems and white flowers are good enough for us. We bought a couple of plants and then collect and sow their seeds. The seedling turn out to be satisfactorily true to type.
I know I acquired 'Purple Haze', and I think this is it. Apart from its pretty flowers, the shiny dark green and somewhat evergreen leaves are highly ornamental.
The flower of Penstemon hirsutus has a light lilac tone that I like. I also like its compact habit, and lush green leaves.
These are elegant looking penstemons. It did well for a couple of years and disappear, but it seems to have self-sown a few offsprings here and there.
There are a few other types of penstemons that were planted here and there in the garden.
Only two thing are infinite; the universe and human stupidity, and I am not sure of the former.
Albert Einstein
