Penstemon hybrida Pensham Laura - Beardtongue

Penstemon 'Pensham Laura' is the pink and white version of Penstemon 'Pensham Czar', with which it forms a superb duo in flower beds and flower pots. Very floriferous, compact, full of charm and vivacity, this penstemon develops flowering stems where numerous vibrant pink bell-shaped flowers bloom, exhibiting a wide white throat. Indifferent to rain and dry soils, this excellent perennial blooms abundantly and continuously for almost 5 months. Its semi-evergreen foliage discourages slugs and proves to be long-lasting in well-drained soil.

The hybrid Penstemon 'Pensham Laura' is a bushy and woody perennial plant belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, just like foxgloves and snapdragons. Like many hybrid penstemons, it is the result of cross-breeding several species, most of which are native to Central and North America. This variety quickly forms upright and bushy clumps, reaching a height of 50cm (20in), with a minimum diameter of 40cm (16in). Its green, ramified stems are covered with abundant lanceolate, semi-evergreen foliage of a bright green colour. The flowering period extends from June to September-October, provided that faded flowers are regularly removed. The flowers develop at the terminal part of the leafy stems. The flowers, in the shape of campanulate bells, are long and wide, measuring 4.5cm (2in). They are gathered in slightly loose clusters. They display a particularly bright and contrasting colour of a light magenta pink around a wide white throat.

Penstemon 'Pensham Laura' can be planted in flower beds or even as a border plant, due to its rather compact habit. This variety offers a bright contrast from a distance, but is nevertheless easy to combine with many other plants in the garden, including roses. It can be planted among perennials such as agapanthus, daylilies, mauve or violet dahlias, or mixed with annuals such as love-in-a-mist and cornflowers. It pairs particularly well with the acidic green tones of lady's mantle and euphorbias. It also performs very well in a large pot, with proper drainage and regular fertiliser inputs. Penstemons also make excellent cut flowers.