penstemon 'Southgate Gem'

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun in a position sheltered from frosts and drying winds; in autumn, cut plants down by two-thirds of their height and protect with a dry mulch; for more advice, see penstemon cultivation

Deadhead to encourage a longer flowering season; in autumn, cut plants down to about a third of their height to prevent windrock but leave some protection from frosts; in late spring or early summer after new growth appears and after frosts are over, cut out old stems

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, by division in spring, or by layering

May be affected by slugs and snails, and by chrysanthemum eelworm

Generally disease-free but may be affected by powdery mildews and grey moulds