Penstemon barbatus 'Iron Maiden' is a half-hardy perennial penstemon, with tall stems bearing bright scarlet flowers from midsummer to early autumn. As they're not fully hardy, it's advisable to avoid cutting back the old growth, which will provide extra protection, until the worst winter weather is over, usually around February and March. You can then cut it back hard to make way for fresh growth.
When planting, give them a light feed but don't feed again – overfeeding will result in lots of leafy growth at the expense of flowers. To prolong flowering, cut back spent flower stems.
For best results, grow Penstemon barbatus 'Iron Maiden' in light, well-drained soil in full sun.
Plant calendar
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Sow
yes
yes
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Flowers
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yes
Divide
yes
yes
Take cuttings
yes
yes
Penstemon ‘Iron maiden’ and wildlife
Penstemon ‘Iron maiden’ is known for attracting butterflies/moths. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Is not known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths
Butterflies/Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators
Is Penstemon ‘Iron maiden’ poisonous?
Penstemon ‘Iron maiden’ has no toxic effects reported.
