Penstemon whippleanus, 'Chocolate Drop'

Germination

Sow in a cold frame or directly Feb-April or Sep. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with fine gravel or similar. Place in a cold frame. Ensure soil surface is moist. Natural winter cold should offer ideal conditions for germination to occur as the weather warms in spring. Sep. sowings may not emerge until the following spring. Germination can be slow and erratic and may require another winter cold period to occur. Seed must be kept moist. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle or plant out.

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. Small plants may require glass or fleece protection during their first winter.

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.