Penstemon barbatus Twizzle Scarlet


Gold Medal Approved Novelty

This first year flowering perennial from Van Hemert & Co. has taller flower stems than the existing varieties on the market while preserving the natural elegance of wild Penstemon. The half-high flower spikes (approx. 70-80 cm) present small bell-shaped flowers in vivid scarlet. Twizzle is a beautiful border plant thriving in a sunny spot and well-drained soil. It blooms over a long period, stretching from summer to autumn and attracts beneficial insects in the garden. Twizzle is the perfect strong, but gentle touch for pots, containers and bedding.

In detail

A Gold Medal signifies a breakthrough in breeding. This award is only given to varieties that truly excel in innovation, beauty, use and overall performance in the Fleuroselect trials. In addition to the striking red colour, the jury especially noted the new plant habit and superb flowering performance during the first year, therefore awarding this new Penstemon barbatus a welldeserved 2017 Gold Medal.

Market value

Growers will see the benefits of this seed-grown Penstemon barbatus which can be marketed as a premium plant in large pots (12-18 cm). Twizzle offers a wide sales window as it can be sown in spring for the summer season or in autumn for a spring crop. The strong, low maintenance plants truly stand out on the bench and will look wonderful in inspirational plant combinations. Consumers will love this beauty because it adds height and colour to patio containers and annual/perennial borders. Attracting bees and hummingbirds, this perennial brings back wildlife to the garden. Twizzle, a true star turn for the summer and autumn garden.

Background information

Penstemons are part of the foxglove family and native to North America however Europe has traditionally been far more active in the hybridization of these tubular-flowered beauties. With Twizzle, Van Hemert & Co has successfully managed to create a brand new variety that has longer flower stems than the cultivated varieties currently on the market.

Technical information

Novelty Characteristic:
Plant habit, height and colour. Vigorous, well-branched plants for landscaping. First year flowering perennial.
Colour:
Scarlet
Flower:
Single – 2.5 cm
Flowering Period:
from a spring sowing: July-September
Type:
Perennial, O.P., diploid
Use:
Bedding plant, cut flower, pot plant
Seed:
Approx. 1000 seeds per gram; germination rate 80%
Plant:
Height 70-80 cm, spread 40 cm, upright plant form
Growing:

Growing: Sow in autumn, overwinter frost free and transplant in the final container in February-March. For a spring crop, sow in February-April at 20°C. Cover lightly with vermiculite and keep moist, not wet for optimal germination. Grow on at 16-18°C and transplant after 30 days in containers or later directly into the garden. Cultivate plants relatively dry in well-drained soil, spray fungicide if necessary. Flowering takes place about 90 to 100 days after sowing.

Planting:
Use three plants for a 15 cm pot or plant out at a 35cm x 35cm distance in a sunny spot in the bed.

Registration details

Breeder:
Van Hemert
Entry number:
14/15
Protection Period:
8 years
Expiry Date:
2023-12-31