Penstemon Red Riding Hood

[theinsidegardener]

Just wondering if anyone knows whether you cut the penstemon red riding hood back after flowering? 

[Ladygardener]

Jilly Jasmine and Tig I think grow a lot of penstemon and they might be able to help you theinsidegardener. I have'nt a clue, they don't grow well for me at all.

[Tig]

If you deadhead the spent flower spikes back to a healthy couple of leaves they often send up new sideshoots and flower again This applies to all penstemons.

[Jasmine]

Just dead-headed most of mine theinsidegardener.
Like Tig says you should get some smaller second spikes.
Then the only other thing you have to do is cut it right back to a few inches come March time - they are so nice and easy - just don't like wet, bitter cold winters.

[Jilly]

Yes theinsidegardener, what Tig said  , you're just dead heading the moment, you've got plenty of time for more flower spikes to form, as Penstemons are quite late flowerers. You don't cut the main plant back until next Spring, as the top growth protects it over winter.

[theinsidegardener]

Thanks Ladygardener Tig Jasmine Jilly. That's what I wanted to hear!! Such a pretty plant, really hoping I get a bit more from it before the end of the season!