Remove all packaging straight away. Check the compost and water thoroughly if dry, then place the plants outdoors in a sheltered position or in a greenhouse.
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Penstemon
'Rich Ruby'
beardtongue
With its jewel-deep colouring and poised, upright habit, Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' brings a rather grown-up glamour to summer borders. This tall beardtongue forms a semi-evergreen clump of narrow, fresh green leaves, topped by purplish stems that carry bell-shaped blooms in a rich red-magenta shade. Reaching around 90cm, Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' has enough height to thread through mixed planting without bullying its neighbours, which is always a desirable trait in polite garden company. The flowers appear over a long season, offering colour when many early perennials have taken their bow, and their tubular shape is naturally appealing to pollinators.
Plant Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, where its warm, velvety tones can glow beside silver foliage, dusky grasses, soft pinks or moody purples. It is particularly effective in cottage gardens, relaxed contemporary borders and wildlife-friendly schemes, giving a painterly looseness without looking untidy. Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' also makes a handsome cut flower, bringing that same berry-rich colour indoors in a pleasingly informal way. Trim spent stems to encourage further flowering, and leave some top growth in winter for protection before cutting back in spring. Dependable, elegant and just a little dramatic, Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' is a perennial with presence.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check each plant’s specifications. Hardy perennials can remain outdoors, while half-hardy and tender varieties should be kept frost-free until the risk of frost has passed.
Plant within a month, preferably sooner. Choose a suitable position, remove weeds and loosen the soil thoroughly, adding compost or well-rotted organic matter where needed.
Gently remove the plant from its pot and plant with the root ball level with the soil surface. Firm gently, water well and add a plant label.
Water regularly until established and whenever the soil feels dry during spring and summer. Feed container-grown plants fortnightly during active growth to encourage healthy flowering.
- Botanical name
- Penstemon 'Rich Ruby'
- Flower colour
- Deep red
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 70cm-1m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 9cm root ball
- Plant spacing
- 9 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining
Dry - Soil type
-
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Coastal gardens
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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