Penstemmon Care

[megfitz]

When should I cut my Penstemmons down and how low do I cut. Last year I lost several through pruning too low/too early, also Salvias and Gauras??

[Buenchico]

See here:
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?PID=406

For Salvias, start here, find your variety and click through for the information you require:
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/searchbynameresults?nm=Salvia&;op=0

For Gauras the advice simply seems to be 'cut back after flowering':
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=843

[woofgang]

my gauras die down to below ground level and shoot again form the root, I have never had to cut them down.

[hammerman]

Guaras are in the same family as Fuchsias. Keep the top growth until around now then cut it back to ground level.

Penstemons are very hit and miss. I try to keep mine going all year without pruning. If they do suffer in winter, i cut back hard now.

Salvias i tend to give a light trim. I grow S. Cerro Petosi and have just reduced mine by 1/3.

[discover]

I was advised years ago by a knowledgeable gardener to cut back Penstemons in April when all frosts should have gone. Cut to above a bud about 4inches from the base and mine grow fine. Always remove dead flower stems after flowering above the next bud and the plant will continue to give you more flowers throughout the year