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.