April 23, 2008
UNL Releases New Penstemon Called 'Sweet Joanne'
LINCOLN, Neb. — A new penstemon developed by a University of Nebraska-Lincoln horticulturist will make its way into landscapes this year.
The new cultivar, "Sweet Joanne", features dark pink flowers with streaks of purple on the lower petals and very shiny green foliage, said Dale Lindgren, horticulturist at UNL's West Central Research and Extension Center at North Platte, who developed the penstemon. Lindgren named the plant after his wife.
Its medium height makes it suitable for a border or accent plant. It offers extreme resistance to pests and has a very long life compared to other penstemon selections, he said.
"There are similar varieties out there, but this one is extremely hardy," Lindgren said. "It continues to flower until frost and has shown 100 percent survival over the winter season."
Its pink flowers are larger than similar plants – the "Red Rocks" or "Pikes Peak Purple" penstemons – and it is a tighter, upright plant. All have been developed from a group of plants known as the "Mexicana" series.
"In addition to it being developed in Nebraska, its larger bloom is going to be a key selling feature as will its hardiness," said Alan Weiss, owner of Papio Valley Nursery of Papillion. "It's really superior to the other varieties out there."
In eastern Nebraska soils, the plant performs best tilled with compost or peat to break up the clay. It also performs great in a drier location, like most penstemons, Weiss said.
Papio Valley Nursery is growing the plant this spring and is the wholesale producer for the plant.
A limited supply of "Sweet Joanne" will be available starting in early May. Check with your local nursery or landscape company for its availability.
The university holds a patent on "Sweet Joanne." The plant was released to Blooms of Bressingham in the United Kingdom.
Lindgren's research into ornamental plant breeding and selection, particularly penstemons and native plants, has resulted in a number of penstemon cultivar releases including "Prairie Snow", "Prairie Splendor", "Schooley's Yellow" and "Prairie Palette". The Perennial Plant Association named his most celebrated release, "Husker Red", 1996 Perennial Plant of the Year, and it continues to be listed among many gardening experts' top perennial plants. He also co-authored the book, "Growing Penstemons: Species, Cultivars and Hybrids."
The West Central Research and Extension Center is a division of the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
4/23/08-SK Dale Lindgren - Ph.D.
Agronomy and Horticulture Professor (308) 696-6706
 
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News Service (402) 472-3030
Department:
Agronomy & Horticulture
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