Has anyone grown Penstemon 'Iron Maiden'?

17 years ago

Hi,

I started seed from T&M this year for this plant and have six pots of them that I can't decide whether to use or not. I was hoping to attract hummers using them, but after having looked them up and found confusing descriptions, I am not sure. I didn't order the seed, they were an extra packet with an order. I have heard them described as pink and also as orange. Does anyone know which they are?

I also was hoping for experience with them...do they flop, bloom late in the season, bloom for very long, how do they look after they finish blooming? Thanks for any input.

:-)

pm2

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Comments (3)

belfastmom
17 years ago
Hi

I too got a free packet of Penstemon Iron Maiden seed last year with a T&M order. I grew and planted some but they didn't bloom that year. This year, however, they produced numerous tall spikes (3 - 4') of beautiful coral flowers in early June that lasted right into July. Not floppy at all, although they are somewhat sheltered from the wind where they are planted. I cut the flower spikes off after blooming and got some rebloom. Several friends have asked me for divisions so I'm not the only one that likes it. I would recommend it.

belfastmom
kms4me
17 years ago
I started them last year, they bloomed this year. Despite my northern zone 4, they grew 3 1/2 feet and were dazzling from mid-June to mid-July. The hummers were late this year but I did see them visiting the flowers.

I planted them in very well-drained areas. A severe storm did break off a few stems, but overall they were very sturdy and upright.

I didn't have high expectations of this plant, was simply hoping they would survive our harsh winters, and was delighted at how well they did. Oh, the overwintering leathery rosettes of foliage have a wonderful red edge on them in fall and early spring, so they look nice even before they bloom.

Kate
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prairiemoon2 z6b MA
Original Author
17 years ago
Well that is sounding encouraging. I winter sowed them last year and had great germination and potted up seven individual plants, so I am trying to figure out what to do with them. The only place I have enough sun for them is in the front of the house and I have been wondering if they are going to be a little too wild or messy there. It is in an open location that wouldn't be sheltered.

I was trying to think of something to plant them with that would complement them and tame their effect a little, but the color is throwing me off. I rarely work with that color. Photos I have seen, look quite orange to me rather than a coral or an apricot. Of course, we all know how different the real life color can be sometimes too. To use that color, I am thinking I have to keep all pinks out of the bed and I'm not sure I would even like a yellow with it. Purples or blues, maybe violets? I am not feeling very creative lately but I need to get these in the ground soon. [g]

The winter/spring rosettes sound attractive. Thank you both for the input. :-)

pm2