Perennials

Penstemon 'Delft Blue Riding Hood'

Beardtongue

Penstemon 'Delft Blue Riding Hood': 76 cm tall and 61 cm spread, full sun exposure. Blue flowers in June-September. Zone 5; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

Share
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 5

Discover the plant

Common namePenstemon 'Delft Blue Riding Hood'
FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusBeardtongue
CultivarPetit Chaperon bleu de Delft
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameBeardtongue

Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood' (Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood') brings a palette of blue to the garden. Its distinctive features include: tubular flowers. The foliage displays shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is June-September. The clump reaches approximately 76 cm in height and 61 cm in spread; use these dimensions to position the plant in the middle of a flowerbed and for group plantings.

Soil choice is essential for Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood': well-drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during establishment. The preferred exposure is full sun. Support the rooting of Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood' with deep watering, then check moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency to rain and heat; avoid small daily applications on already moist soil. A margin corresponding to its 61 cm spread avoids having to move the clump in the first few seasons. The indicated hardiness zone is zone 5, to be evaluated according to your garden's conditions.

To maintain the interest of Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood' after flowering, remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and monitor crown regrowth in spring. Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; persistently saturated soil is less suitable for it than aerated soil. For companion planting, consider coneflowers, campanulas, and daylilies in varieties with similar needs. The flowering period (June-September) and the 61 cm spread will serve as benchmarks for arranging other plants around this plant.

Penstémon ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’ — Penstemon

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 24 in
Best planting time Spring after the thaw, or early autumn, allowing the roots time to establish themselves before the severe cold.
Growing method
Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood': Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for roots to establish before severe cold. Support the rooting of Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood' with deep watering, then check for moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; persistently saturated soil is less suitable than well-aerated soil.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acid; general indication of the botanical group

Care level

Easy

Watering

Once Penstemon 'Delft Blue Riding Hood' is established, water deeply, then check the moisture level before watering again. Adjust frequency based on rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil.

Soil type

Drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during installation

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Moderate humidity; water according to the actual state of the root ball

Seasonal care

Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood': remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and monitor for crown regrowth in spring. During its flowering period (June-September), also check for damaged stems and nearby plants that might shade the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

A stable, perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and the adult development.
To try Penstemon ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’ in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (61 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than if it were planted directly in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter according to your climate.
Penstémon ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’ — Penstemon

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

30 inches (76 cm)

Width / spread

24 inches (61 cm)

Flower color

Blue

Foliage color

Green

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Not documented for this selection

Bloom period

June-September
Penstémon ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’ — Penstemon

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Suggested pairings for Penstemon ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’: coneflowers, bellflowers, daylilies. Choose varieties that tolerate sun and comparable moisture; allow each clump its adult space.

Plants to avoid

Around Penstemon ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’, avoid plants that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood'?
Ensure a sunny location and suitable soil (drained garden soil that retains moderate moisture during establishment). Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; constantly saturated soil is less suitable than aerated soil.
Where should I plant Penstemon ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’?
Expect a height of about 76 cm and a width of 61 cm at maturity. Approximately 61 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in the middle of a border and for group planting.
When does Penstemon 'Delft Blue Riding Hood' bloom?
The period indicated is June-September. The flower color is blue. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season, and when the plant was established.
How to water and care for Penstemon ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’?
Encourage the rooting of Penstemon ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’ with deep watering, then check the moisture level before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily applications on already moist soil. Remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and monitor the crown's regrowth in spring.
Can Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood' be grown in a pot?
To try Penstemon 'Delfts Blue Riding Hood' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (61 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.