Penstemon Countess of Dalkeith - Beardtongue

These plants aren't very hardy, but some like P. cobæa, P. utahensis or P. digitalis can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F) if the soil is dry. However, in most parts of the UK, they can be grown in rich, well-drained soil and full sun. If you live in a cold region, plant them in a warmer spot; if you live in a hot region, plant them in a cooler, semi-shaded spot. Don't cut back the foliage at the end of the season, even though it might look ugly in winter, as it still helps regulate moisture. Clear and divide the shrubs in early spring. We grow around a hundred different species and varieties. The smaller, delicate ones go in the rockery, while the more robust ones go in the flowered paving with garden irises, or in gravel gardens with buglosses, cistuses, lavenders, cotton lavenders, rosemary and marjoram.