Perennials

Re: Help needed regarding overwintering penstemons

Lindylou — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:51:27 GMT

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.

Re: Help needed regarding overwintering penstemons

Arrem — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:28:47 GMT

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

Help needed regarding overwintering penstemons

Lindylou — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:26:01 GMT

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