Penstemon 'Rich Ruby'

With its jewel-deep colouring and poised, upright habit, Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' brings a rather grown-up glamour to summer borders. This tall beardtongue forms a semi-evergreen clump of narrow, fresh green leaves, topped by purplish stems that carry bell-shaped blooms in a rich red-magenta shade. Reaching around 90cm, Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' has enough height to thread through mixed planting without bullying its neighbours, which is always a desirable trait in polite garden company. The flowers appear over a long season, offering colour when many early perennials have taken their bow, and their tubular shape is naturally appealing to pollinators.

Plant Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, where its warm, velvety tones can glow beside silver foliage, dusky grasses, soft pinks or moody purples. It is particularly effective in cottage gardens, relaxed contemporary borders and wildlife-friendly schemes, giving a painterly looseness without looking untidy. Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' also makes a handsome cut flower, bringing that same berry-rich colour indoors in a pleasingly informal way. Trim spent stems to encourage further flowering, and leave some top growth in winter for protection before cutting back in spring. Dependable, elegant and just a little dramatic, Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' is a perennial with presence.