Not sure if this is the same as with the OP, but I've had penstemons (mostly 'Garnet') for a number of years and they are thriving, but from time to time, for no apparent reason, a few stems just wilt. They are easily removed, and that's it. I've only had one specimen (a P. 'Apple Blossom') going completely dead/rotten over last winter. I cut them back hard in Feb./March.
@hogweed Do you mean that the green new growth is growing from last year's brown stuff? I don't think mine are like that, as the green growth at the top seems to be wilting too... I did cut them back in Spring, but they were only planted last autumn. Maybe they were just too immature to recover from / survive the harsh winter and full blown summer we are having...
@Papi Jo I'm not sure it's quite the same, as with mine it seems more that it is the whole plant, rather than just one or two stems, that is affected...
It’s probably just lack of water, watering with a hose or can is no good that will just water the top of the soil, when we get a good downpour they will pick up.
ive just treated myself to 12 new ones from hayloft, (that will surprise people who know me😀). it’s ok doing cutting each year but they’re all going to be the same, this pack is 12 all different. I’ll have fun chopping those up for cuttings later😀
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
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@hogweed Do you mean that the green new growth is growing from last year's brown stuff? I don't think mine are like that, as the green growth at the top seems to be wilting too... I did cut them back in Spring, but they were only planted last autumn. Maybe they were just too immature to recover from / survive the harsh winter and full blown summer we are having...
@Papi Jo I'm not sure it's quite the same, as with mine it seems more that it is the whole plant, rather than just one or two stems, that is affected...
ive just treated myself to 12 new ones from hayloft, (that will surprise people who know me😀). it’s ok doing cutting each year but they’re all going to be the same, this pack is 12 all different. I’ll have fun chopping those up for cuttings later😀