Penstemon 'Garnet' - Beard Tongue [British Grown Perennial]

This long-flowering perennial is known for its graceful spires of deep garnet-red, bell-shaped blooms that nod gently above slender stems. Penstemon ‘Garnet’ brings vivid late-season colour to borders and beds, often flowering from early summer well into autumn. Its upright habit, narrow green foliage, and exceptional flowering performance have earned it the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Penstemon ‘Garnet’, also sometimes listed as ‘Andenken an Friedrich Hahn’, is one of the hardier, more reliable cultivars for UK gardens, and a firm favourite for cottage-style borders, pollinator patches, and cut flower arrangements.

Scientific Name
Penstemon ‘Garnet’ (Penstemon from Greek pente = five and stemon = stamen, referring to the flower structure)

Synonyms
Penstemon ‘Andenken an Friedrich Hahn’

Common Name
Beardtongue, Penstemon

Origin
Cultivar of hybrid origin; parent species native to North America

Pruning Tips
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Cut back by half in autumn to prevent wind rock, then hard prune old stems to the base in spring when new growth appears.

Wildlife Value
Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators thanks to its tubular, nectar-rich flowers.

Positioning
Full sun is best, though it will tolerate light shade. Perfect for borders, especially in informal or wildlife-friendly gardens.

Water
Water well until established. Once settled, it is moderately drought-tolerant but appreciates watering during extended dry spells.

Soil
Well-drained soil is essential. Avoid heavy, wet soils in winter. Performs well in fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

Food
Feed in spring with a general-purpose fertiliser and again after the first flush of flowers to encourage continued blooming.

Pet-safe
Generally considered non-toxic to pets and people.

Sprouts Top Tips
Mulch around the base in late spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid mulching right up to the stems to prevent rot.