Penstemon hybrida Evelyn - Beardtongue

The 'Evelyn' Hybrid Penstemon is an old variety, beloved by gardeners around the world. The plant, not very tall and very bushy, has abundant flowering in a soft pink that is particularly long-lasting. Its campanulate flowers are small but produced profusely, from early summer to October, forming a pink haze on this light but well-groomed bush, adorned with fine light green foliage. Unlike other penstemons, 'Evelyn' is a hardy perennial when planted in light soil that does not retain too much water in winter. Charming in summer beds or potted on the terrace, it is also a very pretty rock garden plant.

The 'Evelyn' Penstemon is a bushy and woody perennial plant belonging to the scrophulariaceae family (or plantaginaceae), just like foxgloves and snapdragons. Its origins are not well known, but some observers recognize in this variety the characteristics of the Penstemon barbatus. Like many hybrid penstemons, it is the result of cross-breeding several species mostly native to Central and North America. This variety forms beautiful bushy and upright clumps of about 40cm (16in) to 50cm (20in) in all directions, with branched stems covered in abundant finely lanceolate light green foliage that may persist depending on the severity of the winter. Its growth is quite fast. The flowering period extends from June to September-October, developing on the upper part of leafy stems. The small bell-shaped flowers are gathered in tight clusters. They display a delicate pastel pink colour and reveal an almost white throat striated with darker veins. The flowers of this variety are sterile, and the plant does not tolerate limestone and overly clayey soils.

The 'Evelyn' penstemon is used in flower beds or borders, among perennials such as agapanthus, caryopteris, Rhodoanthemum hosimariensis, and Cape daisies, or mixed with annuals such as love-in-a-mist. It will blend among the stones in a not-too-dry rock garden (and in non-limestone soil) with cotton lavenders, cistus, or Lithodora diffusa. Its pastel pink flowers are enhanced by dark foliage, such as that of Weigela Minor Black or Physocarpus Summer Wine. It also performs very well in pots, with proper drainage and regular watering with low-limestone water and fertilizers. Penstemons also make excellent cut flowers.