The question of winter hardiness cannot be answered with a general yes or no when it comes to non-toxic penstemon, because the different species are differently robust. However, you should not overwinter the varieties that are described as hardy without winter protection.
Is penstemon hardy?
The winter hardiness of penstemon varies depending on the species, although more robust varieties can overwinter in the bed. Protect these with wilted leaves and additional layers of brushwood or leaves. Sensitive varieties, on the other hand, should be cultivated in pots and overwintered frost-free, for example in the cellar or winter garden.
How to protect your beard from frost and cold
If you want to overwinter your penstemon outside in the bed, then don't cut it back in autumn. If you wait until next spring, the wilted leaves will protect the plant a little from the cold and the plant can gather strength before winter
Also cover your beard with a layer of leaves or brushwood. However, this type of wintering is only recommended for the more robust species and not necessarily in a very rough area. If you are in doubt about the winter hardiness of your plant, then it is better to choose a frost-free winter quarters.
How to overwinter your penstemon in winter quarters
Bedding plants must be dug up in a frost-free room for overwintering. It is therefore advisable to plant sensitive and non-hardy varieties of penstemon straight away in a bucket or flower box. The greenhouse or a winter garden are suitable as winter quarters. If neither is available, place your plants in the stairwell or in the basement.
Cut the plants back before transporting them to the winter quarters, this will make this work and winter care easier for you. Water your penstemon only a little in winter and avoid using fertilizer at all. Check from time to time whether your plants are still he althy and not attacked by pests.
The best winter tips for your beard thread:
- Only robust varieties overwinter in the bed
- Pruning of bedding plants only next spring
- Overwinter potted plants and tender varieties frost-free
- water little
- do not fertilize
Tip
If you are not sure whether your penstemon is winter hardy, then it is better to overwinter your plant in a frost-free winter quarters.