There was an excellent small article in "The Hardy Plant" written by
penstemon National Collection holders. Eel worm is probably the
worst problem encountered by growers of penstemons and, even if you
are in the clear, it can be easily imported into the garden by
infected plants bought from garden centres, etc. The article said
it was not insurmountable and that there is a cure. Double cuttings
are the answer.

As eel worm attacks from the base, take a cutting from the top of the
infected plant. Grown that on and it most likely will not be
infected. However, to be absolutely sure, take a cutting from the top
of the first cutting and grow that on. That will definitely be free
from eel worm.

Even though I do not have the problem in my collection so far, I
thought this was excellent advice and will definitely follow it if
necessary.

Iris McCanna

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