Penstemon 'Hopleys Variegated'
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BEARD TONGUE
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Pronounced: pen-STAY-mon
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: Not Listed.
USDA zones: 6 -10.
Mature size:
Height: 36 inches (90 cm).
Width: 36 inches (90 cm).
Flowering period:
Early summer to first frost.
Flowering attributes:
Tubular, bell-shaped lavender-mauve flowers with streaked white throats.
Leaf attributes:
Evergreen, green with yellow variegation in the leaves.
Growth habit:
Clump-forming.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Fertile, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
I keep penstemons on the lean side; they tend to live longer if not over-fertilized. Side-dress with compost or manures in fall, and fertilize in spring when growth begins, with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods:
Divide in late spring. | Softwood cuttings in spring.
Pruning Methods:
Deadhead as flowers fade.
Rainy Side Notes
If you like variegated plants, this European hybrid, Penstemon 'Hopleys Variegated' is a good choice. Originally propagated from a sport of ‘Burgundy’, by Hopleys Nursery in England and introduced in 1987. I’ve grown this perennial for a number of years and still enjoy it in the garden; however, I need to find it and move it, as a hydrangea swamped it. I planted it too close and once again “size denial” rears its ugly head in my garden.
The variegated leaf is most likely a genetic cause, not viral. If the irregular variegation is caused by a virus, it doesn’t spread to other plants, nor harms the perennial. For best coloring grow the perennial in full sun.
As with most penstemons, ‘Hopleys Variegated’ is an excellent hummingbird and bee plant.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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