Read practical advice
Explore straightforward guides for choosing, using and caring for garden products.
Visit the Advice CentreOutdoor plants
Product information
Everything useful in one place, with the most important information kept separate from the buying controls above.
About this product
Penstemon 'sour Grapes' / 2L
Penstemon 'Sour Grapes'
Confirmed format: 2 litre pot
Plant Highlights
- Unusual, dusky grape-purple to amethyst-blue tubular flowers with pale throats
- Exceptionally long flowering season from July to October
- Semi-evergreen perennial with an upright, bushy and clumping habit
- Holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Highly attractive to pollinators and wildlife
- Supplied in a generous 2 litre pot
Overview
Penstemon 'Sour Grapes', commonly known as beardtongue, is a magnificent semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial celebrated for its long season of interest and striking flowers. Raised by Margery Fish and holding the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, this reliable variety produces dense spires of tubular, bell-shaped blooms in shades of purple, violet, blue, and multicolour with pale throats from July to October. Reaching a mature height and spread of approximately 60 cm by 45 cm, it forms an upright, bushy, and clumping habit that brings effortless charm to sunny borders and patio containers alike.
Why We Love It
- Dusky grape-purple and amethyst-blue blooms create an exquisite display.
- Remarkably long flowering window from mid-summer right through to autumn.
- Easily accommodates container planting as well as classic garden borders.
- Low maintenance nature combined with excellent drought tolerance once established.
- Brings valuable pollinator support to wildlife garden schemes.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Penstemon 'Sour Grapes' |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Beardtongue |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous Perennial |
| Foliage Persistence | Semi-evergreen |
| Foliage Colour | Green |
| Flower Colour | Purple, violet, blue, and multicolour with pale throats |
| Flowering Season | July to October |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy, and clumping |
| Mature Height | 60 cm |
| Mature Spread | 45 cm |
| Hardiness | RHS H4 (hardy down to -10°C) |
| Care Level | Easy |
Growing Guide
| Position & Light | Thrives in full sun, sun-part-shade, or partial-shade positions with south-facing, west-facing, or east-facing aspects in a sheltered location. |
|---|---|
| Soil & Drainage | Suits loam, sand, or chalk soil textures requiring free-draining or well-drained conditions with average moisture levels. |
| Watering | Moderate water needs. Water regularly while establishing; mature plants exhibit good drought tolerance. |
| Pruning | Prune back in April or may as fresh new growth appears. Leave top growth in place over winter to protect the crown. |
| Deadheading | Regular deadheading is recommended to encourage continuous repeat flowering throughout the season. |
| Winter Protection | Apply a mulch for winter protection in colder areas and ensure soil remains free-draining to prevent winter wet. |
Perfect For
- Borders and middle of borders
- Cottage and wildlife gardens
- Container planting on patios
- Gravel gardens and dry settings
- Cut flower arrangements
Good to Know
- Recognised with the RHS Award of Garden Merit for reliable garden performance.
- Provides valuable nectar and pollen support for bees and pollinators.
- Features drought-tolerant properties once root systems are established.
Product Information
| Product Title | Penstemon 'sour Grapes' / 2L |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Penstemon 'Sour Grapes' |
| Confirmed Format | 2L pot |
| Category | Outdoor Perennial |
Growing & care
- Plant type
- perennial
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained
- Mature size
- 90cm high· 60cm wide
Choose with confidence
Find the right plant for your space
Use the Plant Finder, practical advice or our in-store team before deciding.
See it before choosing
Visit Easy Garden to compare products in person and speak with our team.
Plan your visit