Penstemon 'Blackbird'

Penstemon 'Blackbird' is an upright, semi-evergreen perennial with tall spikes of deep burgundy-purple, tubular flowers held on dark red stems above narrow green leaves. It flowers for a long stretch, from early summer right through to autumn, and the flowers are well loved by bees.

It grows to around 90cm to 1m tall and 45cm wide. Plant it in full sun or light shade in well drained soil, as it does not like sitting wet over winter. It is hardy in most of the UK, though in colder areas a mulch helps. Leave the old stems on over winter for protection and cut them back in spring once new growth appears. Deadheading through the summer keeps the flowers coming.

The dark, rich flower colour works with almost anything, from soft pinks and silvers to hot oranges. It flowers for months, is easy to look after and gives height to a border without needing staking.