Penstemon ’Sour Grapes’
£4.00
Out of stock
🌿 Penstemon ‘Sour Grapes’
Unusual and irresistible, Penstemon ‘Sour Grapes’ is best known for its smoky mauve-lavender flowers, streaked with silvery-blue undertones and a pale throat. Upright stems carry dozens of bell-shaped blooms from midsummer to autumn, adding a sophisticated yet playful tone to borders and pollinator patches. The colour shifts with the light, making this Penstemon a standout in both modern and cottage-style gardens.
Specifications:
Height: 60–75cm
Spread: 40–50cm
Flowering: June to October
Position: Full sun or light shade
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil; dislikes heavy winter wet
🌿 Note for Isle of Wight planting:
‘Sour Grapes’ thrives in the island’s milder microclimates, especially in well-drained, sunny borders. It tolerates light salt exposure and gentle coastal winds. Like all Penstemons, it benefits from mulch over winter and should only be cut back in spring once new growth appears.
🌿 Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range:
1. Achillea ‘Terracotta’
Their contrasting shapes and muted orange and mauve tones create a naturalistic, heat-tolerant pairing.
2. Salvia ‘Phyllis Fancy’
Add height and a touch of softness with this misty-toned Salvia — a perfect echo to Sour Grapes’ colouring.
3. Pennisetum orientale ‘Flamingo’
The airy grass plumes dance through Penstemon spires, creating movement and a long-lasting display.
4. Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Low-growing and long-flowering, this Geranium provides beautiful underplanting while extending the bloom season.
5. Scabiosa ‘Beaujolais Bonnet’
Together, these create a bee-friendly border with rich, wine-toned depth and summer-long nectar.
🌟 The Green Standard Tip:
Remove spent flower spikes to keep blooms coming. In early spring, trim down to a healthy low shoot once frosts have passed — this encourages a strong and tidy season of growth.