The tall stems of penstemons adorned with masses of tubular flowers offer a gardening opportunity not provided by very many other plants. The plants are relatively tall and so they can rub shoulders with dahlias, dwarf hydrangeas or herbaceous clematis. The range of colours is extensive but not too overpowering or too bright. In fact, many of the subtle hues of pinks, blues and violets can successfully contribute to pastel makeovers of flowerbeds and borders. Penstemons originated on the North American prairies, so they come in half hardy and fully hardy varieties.

Looking Good:
Visit Gants Mill and Garden, Somerset, to see the amazingly coloured penstemons during July.

Best With:
Try growing them with herbaceous clematis.