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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figworts) |
| Origin: North America |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pink & White |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Fall |
| Synonyms: [Penstemon 'Huntington Pink'] |
| Parentage: (Penstemon hartwegii hybrid) |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: <15° F |
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Penstemon 'Apple Blossom' (Beard Tongue) - This very attractive cultivar is known for its bright pink flowers. It was originally introduced to us as Penstemon 'Huntington Pink'. It is an evergreen perennial or sub-shrub to 3 feet tall with dark reddish stems clothed with 3 ½ " lance-shaped medium-green leaves that lack any dentations on the margins. The large trumpet-shaped bright pink white-throated flowers are held in dense branched terminal inflorescences (cyme) that appear in a succession of flowering peaks from late spring until fall and often appear year-round in coastal gardens. The flowers, at 1 inch long by 7/8 inch wide on the lower lip, are mid-sized for Penstemon hybrids. The pink flower has a red calyx and a white throat, with only faint striping that uniquely extends out of the tube to accent the base of the flaring petals, giving the general impression of a two-toned pink and white flower. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies into the garden. Plant in full sun along the coast and provide some light shade inland. Tolerates and even thrives in poor soils and alkaline conditions but requires relatively good drainage. Can survive very dry conditions in cooler coastal gardens but looks better with occasional irrigation and requires it in hotter locations. Pinch plants after the first bloom to promote a quick re-bloom and cut back hard in winter to encourage a new flush of dense growth in spring. While extremely showy, Border Penstemons are notably short lived and for plantings to look best, they should be replanted every 3-5 years. Hardy to below 15° F and even much lower if soil is not moist. The Bedding or Border Penstemons are now considered to have a complex parentage involving Penstemon cobaea, P. hartwegii, P. campanulata, P. gentianoides and P. isophyllus. Winner of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
The information about Penstemon 'Apple Blossom' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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