Cha Cha Cherry Penstemon - ooohhhh.....

Cha Cha Cherry Penstemon

I love Penstemon, an annual flower in my part of the world. A perennial in USDA 7 - 9.

I was introduced to it back in the 1970s.

 I worked for a French gardener on the grounds of a well known resort hotel, Mohonk Mt. House, in NY and they had won the award for the best hotel grounds in America the year before.

He loved Penstemon and always said it was his favorite flower. We grew it from seed and planted it out on May 20...always May 20, no matter what.  Now they come in plugs, so much better!

Now, of course, the varieties and sturdiness of Penstemon have improved remarkably.




The one I am very interested in is the new variety from Terra Nova Nurseries, Cha Cha Cherry Penstemon.  It grows about 24" tall,  has dark cherry-red flowers and an upright bushy habit. It blooms from spring to late fall! And the dark seed heads are great for arrangements.

Plant lust strikes again.....











Comments

Popular Posts of all Time

Angelface Blue and Dark Violet Angelonia - a Flower that Keeps Giving

Planting Design for Dry Gardens by Olivier Filippi

'Purple Smoke' - The best Baptisia

No-Fail Tips for Turning Hydrangeas Blue!

Repurposed and Recycled - Creative Ideas for Garden Design

The Magnificent Purslane - Edible Landscaping at its best!

My one day Class Wednesday April 16 in NY - Jan Johnsen