Penstemon whippleanus 'Chocolate Drop'

Beard tongue

This is not a big, blousy plant full of arresting colour. This rarely seen penstemon is very unassuming, refined and we think, rather interesting with spires of tiny, dark, purplish - brown pendant flowers that have faint pin stripes of cream in the throat.

The flowers have a satiny sheen and come into bloom in mid-summer and will continue through until autumn.

It is relatively unfussy but must have well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Water-logging will kill it very quickly. Cut down spent foliage in spring not autumn.

If you love the genus then it's one to collect.

Photo: Blackstem Plants

£ 5.50