Penstemon 'Catherine de la Mare'
Common name(s): beardtongue
Description: perennial; a chance seedling found in the Hertfordshire garden of Richard de La Mare and named for his wife. Thought to be a cross between P. heterophyllus and another unknown species. Mostly evergreen serrated foliage and a marvelous show of copious blue-purple flowers from late spring into summer.
Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 18 in.
Position: full sun and well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators
Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below
Care: prune to 6 inches above the ground in spring (after all danger of last frost) to rejuvenate foliage. Adding a 1-2 inch layer of gravel around the base increases survivability and prevents crown rot. Cutting back spent blooms in summer will encourage more blooming but is not necessary. No fertilizer.
