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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figworts) |
| Origin: Garden Origin |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: White |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Fall |
| 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 'Holly's White' (Beard Tongue) - This plant is the only white bedding Penstemon we grow and while it has its attractive moments it also is the weakest of the cultivars. It is an evergreen perennial or sub-shrub to 2-3 feet tall with stems clothed with 2 inch long pale green leaves that are broader than the other cultivars. The 1 inch long trumpet-shaped white flowers tinged pink on the upper lip emerge from pink buds. The flowers, held one or two in a cluster (less than other cultivars) are held in short-branched terminal inflorescences (cyme). Flowers appear in a succession of flowering peaks from late spring until fall and often appear year-round in coastal gardens. 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, all Border Penstemon 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. This cultivar is more disease prone than others and should be planted only if you have to have a white flower and understand that this plant's lifespan in the garden is limited. We grew this plant from 1989 until 2002.
The information about Penstemon 'Holly's White' 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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