Mother of Pearl Penstemon

Mother of Pearl Penstemon (Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl') is an upright, bushy perennial that grows about 80cm tall and 60 to 70cm wide. Tall stems carry large tubular flowers in pale lilac-pink from summer into autumn, each with darker stripes inside. It is a cold hardy cottage garden plant that pollinators love.

Why you'll love it

• Soft pearly colour. The pale lilac-pink flowers hang like small bells, and darker stripes show inside when you look closely.
• Summer into autumn. Flowers arrive in summer and carry through autumn, bridging the gap in many mixed borders.
• Cold hardy. It is frost tolerant, so it earns its place in gardens that get properly cold winters.
• A pollinator magnet. Bees and other pollinators visit the tubular flowers, which makes it a useful wildlife plant.
• Pots and beds. It is easy to grow, whether in a mixed border or a large pot.

Where it works best

Cottage gardens. Plant 50cm apart in a sunny bed and let the stems intermingle with roses, salvias and grasses.

Wildlife gardens. Group several plants together so pollinators have a good-sized patch of flowers to feed on.

Large pots. A big container gives height and colour on a patio, and the pot can be moved into shelter in a cold snap.

Growing Mother of Pearl Penstemon in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny to partly shaded position. It is frost tolerant, and in very cold regions it should go in a sheltered spot or against a wall. It suits warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and keeps its leaves in mild climates but loses them over winter in colder ones.

Soil. Light, free-draining loam, sandy or chalky soil. It dislikes heavy ground that stays wet, so lighten clay with grit and compost.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. After pruning, fertilise with a slow release fertiliser, and give it an extra boost in summer heat with seaweed solution and regular watering.

Pruning. Deadhead after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers. In mid-spring, chop it back to low-growing shoots, because these plants flower on new growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mother of Pearl as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small, leafy plant and builds up through the growing season, with flowers following as the stems lengthen. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Perennial plants for a cottage garden
• Plants for bees and butterflies
• Frost hardy plants
• Plants that grow well in pots

Common questions

When should I prune it?

Deadhead after flowering to encourage a second flush, then cut it back to low shoots in mid-spring. It flowers on new growth, so this hard cut helps.

Is it frost hardy?

Yes, it is frost tolerant. In very cold regions, put it in a sheltered spot or against a wall.

Does it keep its leaves in winter?

In mild climates, yes. In colder climates it loses its leaves over winter and returns in spring.