Penstemon ‘Hewell’s Pink’ – A Growing Guide
Penstemon ‘Hewell’s Pink’ is a standout perennial loved for its elegant pink flower spikes and long flowering season. Perfect for sunny borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator‑friendly planting schemes, it’s an easy, reliable performer. This guide covers planting, care, pruning, and seasonal tips to help your Penstemon thrive year after year.
Choosing the Right Location
Penstemon ‘Hewell’s Pink’ flourishes in full sun, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct light each day. While it tolerates partial shade, more sun equals stronger flowering.
It performs best in well‑drained sandy or loamy soil. If your garden is heavy clay, improve drainage with grit or organic matter.
Planting Penstemon ‘Hewell’s Pink’
Best time to plant:
- Spring or early autumn, when temperatures are mild.
Spacing:
- Allow 12–18 inches (30–45cm) between plants to ensure good airflow and healthy growth.
Planting depth:
- Plant at the same depth as the pot, keeping the crown just slightly above soil level.
Watering
After planting, water deeply to help the roots establish.
Ongoing watering:
- Keep soil lightly moist but never waterlogged.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
- During summer dry spells, increase watering to maintain steady moisture.
Mulching
Apply a light mulch layer around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Avoid covering stems directly, as Penstemons dislike damp crowns.
Feeding
In early spring, apply a balanced slow‑release fertiliser to boost foliage and flower formation. Avoid overfeeding, as too much nitrogen can reduce flowering.
Pruning & Deadheading
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
- In late autumn, cut back stems by one‑third — but leave some growth in place to protect the crown over winter.
- In spring, remove any frost‑damaged stems.
Pests & Diseases
Penstemon ‘Hewell’s Pink’ is generally trouble‑free, but keep an eye out for:
- Aphids – treat early with soapy water or organic spray.
- Fungal diseases – improve spacing and airflow to prevent issues.
Winter Care
In colder regions, apply a thin protective mulch over the root zone through winter. Avoid heavy, wet mulch that may rot the crown.
Why Grow Penstemon ‘Hewell’s Pink’?
- Extremely long flowering season
- Loved by bees and pollinators
- Great for cottage gardens, mixed borders, and cutting
- Low‑maintenance and drought‑tolerant once established
FAQs
How tall does Penstemon ‘Hewell’s Pink’ grow?
Around 60–80cm, with upright flower spikes.
Is it evergreen?
Semi‑evergreen in mild climates, but may die back in harsh winters.
Does it attract pollinators?
Yes — bees adore the tubular flowers.
Can it grow in pots?
It can, provided the pot drains well and receives full sun.
Is Penstemon hard to overwinter?
Generally easy — just protect the crown from excess winter wet.
