Do they get enough sun? My mother had them in full sun without a problem.

A lot of penstemons take 2 years to mature and most flower in summer, so there's nothing wrong with your gardening skills. Mine aren't even in bud yet. As for the trailing habit, this does happen with some types, give them a good prune (but not into old wood), at the end of the season and this should make them more upright next year.

Ours fall over as well, the trick is more sun, as goldhills said, and, group plantings. They support eachother. Ours are looking beautiful at the moment, really impressive display. This is their second year.

Mine are on the go now too and some in part shade during arvo but growing tall and healthy. I've recently got one called 'Electric Blue' that tends to lay low and flat. Just different forms I believe and nothing to worry about.
I haven't done anything to mine however have pretty good soil and plenty of rain down here at moment.

Garry

They grow too quickly in our hot humid climate and will continue to fall over. They need a cold period to gather their strength for the next season and they seldom get it in Brisbane. If you are happy with penstemons which will not reach their glorious best continue with them and try using seaweed conditioner on them - it not find something more suited to our climate. Robyn