Help needed regarding overwintering penstemons

Last post 06-10-2011 9:51 AM by Lindylou. 2 replies.

• 04/10/2011 10:26 AM

  Lindylou Location: West Norfolk Joined on: 04 Oct 2011 Posts: 7

  Reply | Contact Last year I started to grow penstemons. Cant think why I hadnt grown them before. What a lovely flower. Anyway, as they were perennials I left them in the ground and cut back the old stems in spring this year. However, none of them grew and I wondered if it was because of the hard winter? I thought I would try again this year and have lots of them in flower, but I do not want to lose them again. Should I pot them up and bring them into the greenhouse for the winter or should they be alright where they are? Thanks in anticipation Linn

• 04/10/2011 08:28 PM

  In reply to

  Arrem Location: Staffordshire. UK Joined on: 12 Jul 2009 Posts: 243

  Reply | Contact  Hi Lindylou, I can imagine your disappointment.   Penstemon are not as hardy as some might tell you .   Last years harsh and prolonged cold period did away with many plants otherwise held to be hardy.  I think you have several alternatives. Take some cuttings for next year. Lifting and potting up as you have suggested A good amount of straw around and over each plant.  Good Luck There is no such thing as useless - you can always be a bad example.

• 06/10/2011 09:51 AM	In reply to
  Lindylou Location: West Norfolk Joined on: 04 Oct 2011 Posts: 7	Reply | Contact Hi Arrem, Thanks for your help. Think I might pot them up then, I really dont want to lose them again. Have taken some cuttings so just hope they will all take.