Penstemon 'Evelyn'

Penstemon 'Evelyn' is a compact perennial with a light, upright habit and a very agreeable talent for looking effortlessly pretty. Reaching around 60cm in height, it forms neat clumps of narrow foliage, topped in summer by slim panicles of tubular rose-pink flowers. Each bloom has a contrasting white throat, finely marked with red to purple lines, giving Penstemon 'Evelyn' a delicate level of detail best appreciated close to a path or seating area. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, Penstemon 'Evelyn' combines reliable performance with the kind of soft colouring that slips beautifully into relaxed cottage-style planting.

Plant Penstemon 'Evelyn' in well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position, where its upright spires can flower generously and keep the border feeling fresh for weeks. The soft pink blooms pair beautifully with lavender, nepeta, salvias, airy grasses and silver foliage, while their pale throats add a clean brightness among richer summer colours. Its compact habit also makes Penstemon 'Evelyn' useful towards the front or middle of a border, where it can mingle without elbowing its neighbours. Elegant, floriferous and reassuringly garden-worthy, Penstemon 'Evelyn' is a charming choice for anyone who likes their perennials polished, pretty and quietly hardworking.