when is the correct time to cut last year`s growth of the penstemon?.

I am about to cut mine down to the ground now, they are large plants and I will divide them up into pieces with two garden forks. Hope this helps.

Mine got chopped yesterday. This is so that all the new energy will go into producing some healthy new shoots.

I am leaving mine for another two/three weeks, in case of cold weather. I shall use the tops for cuttings.

i've done some of mine now as there is lots of newgrowth at the base. i also use good strong trimmings as cuttings both now and in the autumn. my less ahrdy ones will be done march time unless frost if forecast.

Absolutely, Seaburngirl! That's why I play it safe...

Sadly I lost the tops of mine in the frost, so am relying on division for propogation.

Ooops! Yet another casualty, Docbob!

I am sure you'll be able to take early summer cuttings too doctorbob. my youngest has sometimes snapped shoots off when playing and as i cant bare to throw plants away i have always stuck them in compost and 9 times out of 10 they have taken. seems to be yet another disease i am cursed with.