Penstemon Purple Passion

Penstemon ‘Purple Passion’ lives up to its name: a cascade of velvety, purple trumpets, each with a softly etched pale throat, carried on neat, upright stems from early summer well into autumn. It’s the sort of colour that pulls a border together—rich enough to anchor pastels, yet vibrant beside hot shades. Busy bees and hoverflies adore the open, tubular blooms, so you’ll be adding reliable wildlife interest as well as long-season colour.

Tough and easy-going, ‘Purple Passion’ thrives in sun or light shade and well-drained soil, making a graceful, semi-evergreen mound that keeps borders looking “finished” even out of flower. Deadhead spent spikes and it bounces back with fresh flushes; leave a little top growth over winter and give a spring tidy to keep plants youthful.

Perfect for mixed borders, cottage-garden schemes and smart containers, and lovely as a cut flower too. Plant in groups of three for a generous sweep of purple and pair with silvery foliage, airy grasses or late salvias for a luminous, layered display.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant in spring or autumn, when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Penstemons prefer light, fertile ground and dislike heavy, waterlogged conditions. Excellent for mixed borders, wildlife-friendly planting, and cut flower gardens.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant with the base of the stem at soil level.
• Spacing: Allow 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) between plants to encourage good airflow and bushy growth.
• Soil Prep: Improve drainage by adding compost or grit to heavy soils before planting.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting. Keep soil moderately moist while the plant establishes. Once settled, Penstemon is reasonably drought tolerant but benefits from watering in prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Deadhead regularly to encourage repeat flowering into autumn.
• Cut back stems by about one-third after the first flush of flowers to encourage bushier growth.
• In colder regions, leave top growth over winter for frost protection and cut back hard in early spring.
• Apply a light mulch in spring to feed and retain moisture.

Top Tip:
Penstemon ‘Purple Passion’ looks stunning when paired with ornamental grasses or pale-coloured perennials like Achillea, Nepeta, or white Salvias. It also makes an excellent cut flower for vibrant summer

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

July - October

Height:

24-35" (60-90cm)

Hardy Perennial