Penstemon Arabesque Orchid seeds - - Beardtongue

Penstemon hartwegii 'Arabesque Orchid' is a perennial penstemon to grow from seed which will produce long spikes of orchid-pink flowers within just a few months. This F1 hybrid forms a regular, well-branched clump covered in clearly bicoloured bell-shaped flowers. Flowering lasts all summer, like roses, perennials and annuals. In borders, flower beds, or a large pot on the patio, this variety makes quite an impression without needing much care.

The 'Arabesque Orchid' penstemon belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and descends from the botanical species Penstemon hartwegii, native to Mexico. It is a perennial or semi-woody undershrub with a bushy habit, whose foliage is semi-evergreen in mild climates. The Arabesque series was developed by Goldsmith Seeds, now part of Syngenta Flowers; it offers well-branched, uniform F1 hybrid penstemons, suited to growing in pots and in borders. Several coordinated colours are available (Red, Pink, Violet, Appleblossom, Orchid), some of which have won awards.
The plant develops a base from which numerous fine, upright, supple stems emerge, sturdy enough to remain perfectly vertical. Its growth is rapid: in one growing season, the clump reaches 50 to 60cm in height with a spread of 45 to 50cm. The medium to dark green foliage is composed of single, narrow, lanceolate leaves. In mild climates, some of the leaves remain in place throughout the winter. Flowering extends from June-July to September, sometimes October depending on the climate. The flowering stems bear long clusters of tubular flowers. Each measures 3 to 4cm in length with a deep pink tube, with an 'orchid' shade, that flares open into a wide white throat. The flowers produce nectar for bees. The fruits are small dry capsules containing numerous fine seeds. As it is an F1 hybrid, seedlings will not always faithfully reproduce the colour or habit of the parent plant.

Of medium size, Penstemon hartwegii 'Arabesque Orchid' can sit in the middle of a sunny flower bed or in a long border. It pairs well with the umbels of Achillea millefolium Saucy Seduction®, with its bright pink flowers, and Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst', with its mauve spikes. To bring movement and colour in autumn, place a few clumps of Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky' behind these perennials and a border of tickseed 'Redshift' in front of them.