Penstemon Onyx and Pearls

Available late May

Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' photo courtesy of Walters gardens
Beardtongue

Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' is named after two polar opposite colours of gemstones. Onyx is in reference to its dark foliage and pearls refers to its soft lavender flowers with white interiors. From a distance, the flowers look white. Compared to 'Blackbeard', this is a taller, fuller plant with lighter coloured flowers. 'Onyx and Pearls' weathers the heat and humidity of our summers but is also very cold hardy. The attractive dark foliage adds colour and foliage contrast even when the plant is not in bloom.

  • Height: 102-107 cm (40-42 in)
  • Spread: 97-107 cm (38-42 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 3-7
  • Sun or Shade: minimum 6 hours of direct sun
  • Bloom Time: early to mid summer
  • Leaf Colour: near black
  • Bloom Colour: white and pink
  • Nature Attraction: bees and butterflies

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' is easy to grow in full sun in rich, well drained soil. Avoid wet or poorly drained soils and soils with low fertility. After flowering you can cut the spent blooms back and enjoy the lovely foliage colour. We do not cut this plant back because we find the stems and seed heads very attractive. A mulch will help to retain soil moisture and keep the leaves clean.

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