Rose Robin Penstemon

Rose Robin Penstemon (Penstemon 'Rose Robin') is a compact, upright perennial that grows about 70cm high and 40 to 60cm wide. Tall stems of large tubular flowers in bright pink, marked with white, open above slender leaves from summer into autumn. It is a reliable cottage garden plant that returns each year.

Why you'll love it

• Bright pink flowers. The large tubular blooms are a vivid pink with white markings, and they stand out well against the green foliage.
• A more compact penstemon. At 70cm high with a narrow spread, it fits small beds and pots that taller varieties would overwhelm.
• Months of colour. Flowers appear from summer into autumn, and removing spent stems encourages more.
• A pollinator plant. The nectar-rich flowers draw bees and butterflies, so it earns its place in a wildlife garden.
• Frost tolerant. It survives all but the coldest winters and shoots again from the base each spring.

Where it works best

Small cottage borders. Plant 45cm apart in groups of three or five. The narrow spread means the clumps stay distinct, with room for lower plants at their feet.

Wildlife gardens. Mix it with plants that flower at other times of the year, so visiting bees and butterflies find food in every season.

Large pots. A deep pot of free draining mix in a sunny spot suits the upright habit and brings the flowers up close to a seat or doorway.

Growing Rose Robin Penstemon in Australia

Position and climate. Give it a spot with plenty of sun, though light shade is fine. This variety is at home in warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and frost does not stop it. In the coldest regions, plant against a wall for shelter. Leaves persist where winters are mild and fall where they are cold.

Soil. It grows best in a light soil that drains freely. If your soil is heavy, raise the bed or add coarse material.

Water and feed. After planting, mulch and water regularly while the roots establish, which takes about three months. A slow release feed after the spring cut back suits it, with a seaweed boost and steady watering in the summer heat.

Pruning. Remove faded flowers promptly for a second flush. In mid spring reduce the plant to its lowest shoots, because the new growth that follows carries the flowers.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Rose Robin Penstemon as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small, leafy plant, and flowers once it has grown on through the warm months. Plant it out soon after delivery, water it in well and mulch the surrounding soil.

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 small gardens
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Frost hardy plants for cold gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 45cm apart for a border. Closer spacing crowds the base, and wider spacing leaves gaps while the plants fill out.

Will it survive a cold winter?

Yes. It tolerates frost and returns in spring. In very cold regions a sheltered spot or the lee of a wall gives extra protection.

Why is mine not flowering?

The usual causes are too much shade or a cut back that came too late. Give it plenty of sun, and prune in mid spring so the flowering stems have the season to grow.