13.3.12 Penstemon 'Snowstorm'

I'm sure it will. Even up here I have one which has come through the winter unscathed. It is called 'Arctic Fox' (white), which sounded hopeful and one which was shown to have survived in the Beechgrove Garden through the awful winter of 10/11. 'Snowstorm' sounds similarly hopeful.

I'm hoping so because they have a wonderfully long flowering season and mix well with other plants. Artic Fox seems very appropriate for northern gardens.

I've never been successful with these either. I put it down to my heavy clay soil. Good luck with your 'Snow storm' :)

I have this one Scots, and im also having difficulty getting it established...:>)

Thank you. Maybe you need to add some grit to, open up the clay. I treated some parts of our garden with claybreaker because I could probably have made pots out of the stuff. This is an area known for its quality clay because there was a brick making factory about a mile away and some of the clay was mined from a hole just about half a mile away. Our clay was under a foot of peat which had been laid over it, but never incorporated in to it. It took me several years of double digging as well as using the claybreaker, once, to get a wonderful soil in the vegetable garden. I also added a lot of farmyard manure which was very well rotted from the local dairy farm. That was 40 years ago and I was a lot younger and more able in those days.

Never been lucky with Penstemons either Scotsgran. Bought one last year at Hopetoun which the girl 'assured' me was hardy - it has came through winter protected with straw - so we shall see :)

I didn't think of having to protect it. Did she advise that? I have always found them spot on with information. In the past I have always brought Penstemon plants up from Gloucestershire. Maybe they have bred some hardier varieties. I'll be pleased to hear how well yours does this year.

She assured me I wouldn't need it and if it didn't survive I could take it back in spring so long as I kept me receipt!!
She advised me to cut down to 8 inches from ground and when new shoots appear in spring - take out the old stems - I'm pleased to say even the old shoot still look good but the weather just hasn't been winter here has it?
I gave it a wee bit protection with straw just in case :)
The one I have is 'Southgate Gem'

I know they are very fair and are only too eager to help in any way they can. I found Southgate Gem on this website along with a lot more info about the hardier ones and the conditions needed for them to be successful.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/3314352/How-to-grow-penstemons.html

Thanks S. I will have a look

You're welcome