Help poorly Penstemon

Any ideas how to rescue my PENSTEMON icecream "strawberries and cream"

It was about 2' high, now it is all flopped down, leaves very green, compost damp, it is supposed to be producing its flowers now, not lying down on the job

It collapsed last week, since Then transferred it to a bigger pot with good all purpose compost, and watered well

No change, other than floppy it appears very healthy


Jack McHammocklashing

 

Not being funny here Jack but maybe it's cold. Could you put it in a greenhouse for a while to see if it picks up.

 

I had one last year that I lost on the snow, I have two other penstemons and they are tough and carry on in all climates. Are the roots good? nothing nibbling them?

 

Quite possible it is freezing cold here the past six days

I will chuck it in the greenhouse tonight TA

Jack McH

 

I did not notice anything untoward with the roots when I re potted it though to be honest I did not really look, as I was a bit dubious of re potting it

Filled a new bigger pot, bedded the Penstemon pot in it for shape, then knocked it out of the pot and into the new hole treaded in, and watered

Thanks for the response

Jack McH

 

I don't think they like being moved so it might be sulking. Hopefully it will perk back up for you!

 

Hello Jack - I had the same problem with that particular Penstemmon. unlike others in the garden it failed to grow after the winter, then when it later started to show it suddenly wilted. Have left it in the bed for now but will probably chuck it out come the winter..........

 

Like cbcarolyn, I lost one or two penstemons in the hard winter last year but most are very tough and thriving (though bent double in the wind as I type!) If there is nothing having a go at the roots of yours, maybe it just needs feeding as it's in a pot? All mine are in open ground.