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Position

Sun Exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Front, middle

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Penstemons produce foxglove-like flowers, which look fantastic in informal and cottage garden schemes, and are extremely attractive to bumblebees.

They thrive in full sun to partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil. Many varieties of penstemon are hardy in all but the harshest winters, but do move them under cover or take summer cuttings to ensure they last the winter.

Penstemon 'Rubicundus' is a dark-leaved variety, bearing large, crimson flowers with a prominent white throat, from July to August. It's ideal for growing in sunny borders, or in pots on the patio. Plants may need protection in colder regions. Apply a thick mulch of well-rotted manure or compost in autumn to protect the roots. Plants can be propagated by seed but they won't come true. For better results, divide your penstemons in spring.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyesyes
Divideyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Pruneyesyesyes

Penstemon ‘Rubicundus’ and wildlife

Penstemon ‘Rubicundus’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Penstemon ‘Rubicundus’ poisonous?

Penstemon ‘Rubicundus’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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