Penstemon hartwegii, 'Arabesque Appleblossom', F1 Hybrid

Germination

Sow in a cold frame or directly in early winter. Sow indoors at any time. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of fine gravel or soil. Winter sowings can be placed in a cold frame. Ensure soil is kept moist. 6-8 weeks at 4°C is needed for germination, natural winter cold should offer ideal conditions for germination to occur as the weather warms in spring. Indoor sowings should be left at room temp. for 4 weeks the then cold stratify, move to a fridge at 4°C, for 6-8 weeks, then remove to 10-18°C for germination. Germination can be slow and erratic direct sowings may require a second winter cold period to germinate. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle.

Growing

Prefers full or partial sun and a fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered situation. Offer a dry winter mulch to protect the plant.

Cultivation

Deadhead spent flowers, unless seed is required. Cut plant back to base in winter. Propagate via softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe stem tip cuttings in summer-autumn. Divide established clumps in spring.