PENSTEMON

Looks healthy, doesn't it.
I'm putting a comment because I don't want to miss members' answers on this. :o)

It may just be the weather this year Pansy.
A few in the gardens I worked in this year did not flower or flowered poorly. They do like sun and warmth neither of which have been in abundance this year!

Funny but I have 3 planted in a group. 2 have flowered lovely but the third has had nothing, plenty of green but nada flowers..
I too am posting this comment as I'd be interested to know why!

Hope we get an answer!

Another related question rather than an answer. Is it true that its a good idea to take cuttings of each penstemon each year because established plants have a habit of fading away , so to speak. True or false

Inverglen ~
I've been given that advice. i.e.taking cuttings, in case the plants fade away.
Some types are much more hardy than others.
Also been told not to trim them too much before winter.

I'd put it down to the weather. I have several penstemons in my front garden - two years ago (remember the hot summer?) they only started flowering in September, last year they flowered for five months and this year not so good again.
By all means take cuttings as insurance against winter losses. I cut mine back in spring (but not too early)

I think it is the weather and they look as if they have had a lot of feeding? Which would help to produce the lush growth they are showing.

I do take cuttings from mine as an insurance as some types are short-lived. I also leave the last few flowers on at the end of the season as a protection for the winter, then as Andrew said, cut the plants back to the new growth in the spring. Some of mine have flowered like mad, while others have only produced a few blooms. The ones that have flowered best are in the sunniest areas of the garden while those that only get sun during part of the day have not been good. (HAHA about the sun, I know, but they caught the few rays we did get!)

Thanks to all of you greenfingered friends for your comments and advice.Yes my plants do look very lush but they havent really had any special feeding and they do get sunshine when it shows its face, the only thing they have had in excess is RAIN! I will take some new cuttings and hopefully my present plants will recover from their rest and flower their heads off next year. As other members have also had similar problems lets blame it on the lack of sunshine and look forward to a blooming good summer next year. lol!
P.S. To all of you that showed your lovely Penstemons blooms I can only say Im Green with envy!