Penstemon Twizzle Scarlet

As soon as you receive the grown snapdragon seedling from us, simply plant it directly in the chosen spot in your garden. The 'Twizzle Scarlet' snapdragon loves a hot, sunny spot that reminds it of its North American homeland. Correct soil is absolutely key for successful growing. It requires loamy and, above all, very well-draining earth. It is a somewhat short-lived perennial that lasts in the flowerbed for approximately three to five years, depending on the location. If you provide it with a warm and sheltered spot with light, well-draining, but nutrient-rich soil, it will reward you with maximum vitality. The soil must not be heavy or waterlogged, because roots rot easily in wet conditions, especially during the winter months.

When planting, maintain a spacing of approximately 35 centimeters, which corresponds to about seven to nine plants per square meter. This sufficient space ensures excellent air circulation between the plants. Although common diseases and pests completely avoid snapdragons and you don't need to worry about any unpleasant surprises, the airiness of the planting will further support their overall health. Plant the seedling as deep as it was growing in its original pot, and water it thoroughly after planting. Keep watering moderate thereafter; the plant prefers drier conditions and handles summer heat very well. Excess water is much more dangerous for it than temporary drought.

During the season, care for this snapdragon is very undemanding, and even a complete beginner can handle it easily. The plant creates straight, sturdy stems growing to a height of 70 to 80 centimeters, for which there is no need to build any support. In the spring, you can lightly work some compost into the soil, but excessive fertilization is not necessary. To extend the flowering period, which lasts from June to September, we recommend regularly removing spent flower spikes. This simple pruning stimulates the plant to form more crimson flowers, which will tirelessly attract bees and butterflies. Additionally, you can cut the beautiful straight stems for summer bouquets, where they will stay fresh for almost a week.

With the arrival of winter, the plant dies back. Frost resistance reaches down to -18 °C, but it depends very much on local conditions. In perfectly well-draining soil, it will be much higher, while in heavy soil, root damage may occur. The amount of snow cover in a given winter also plays a big role here, as snow acts as excellent insulation. If dry, freezing weather without snow threatens, it doesn't hurt to cover the plant with conifer branches. You can also successfully grow the snapdragon in a spacious container or window box on a sunny patio. In this case, ensure the pot has good drainage holes and a drainage layer at the bottom. Plants in containers must be protected more carefully before winter, ideally by wrapping the pot in insulating material or moving it to a sheltered spot against a house wall.