Penstemon plants, also called Beardtongue are herbaceous perennials with lance-shaped leaves and tubular flower spikes. Pink, white, purple, crimson, and (occasionally) yellow are some of the flower hues. The term Beardtongue relates to the pollen-free stamen that protrudes from the bloom, giving it the appearance of a bearded iris. From seeds put in the spring until early summer, this perennial is simple to cultivate. It takes 10 to 21 days to germinate and has a sluggish start. Beardtongue plants bloom in early summer, covering the gap between the late spring bulbs and the maturation of summer flowers like yarrow, coneflowers, and coreopsis.
Growing Beardtongue
One of the more striking natural plants is Penstemon spp. The herbaceous plant flourishes in most sections of the western United States and may be found in hilly areas and their foothills. The plant, also known as Penstemon Beardtongue, produces hundreds of tubular blooms on a long stalk.
Birds, bees, and butterflies will be doing summersaults to get to the many blossoms and sweet nectar. Palmer’s penstemon may grow up to 6 feet tall, offering you alternatives for the center and rear of the border.
Here are some brief facts about the popular aesthetic plant:
- Latin name: Penstemon spp
- Other names: Beardtongue
- Native to: North America
- Invasiveness: No
- Tenderness: Herbaceous perennials
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Average to low
- Soil: Well-drained
- Hardiness zone: Zones 3 through 8
- When to plant: Fall
- Spacing: 1 to 3 feet
- Plant height: 3 to 5 feet
- Bloom period: Spring, summer
- Time to maturity: 1-2 years
- Container friendly: Yes
- Fertilizer: 10-10-10
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
- Deer resistant: Yes
- Pest resistant: Yes
The optimum place for your Penstemon is in full sun with well-draining soil. If the location and water requirements are satisfied, the penstemon’s upkeep is modest. The most common causes of plant mortality are poorly draining soils and cold temperatures when the plant is still alive. The perennial is drought resistant and has a sturdy presence in even low nutrition soils. It has had to be flexible in order to live in windy, exposed mountain foothills. Penstemon may be grown from seed. They begin as low-growing rosettes before developing the distinctive bloom stalk. Indoor planting should start in late winter. When seedlings develop a second set of genuine leaves, they are ready to transfer.
Water
Penstemons survive drought, but in the summer, 1 inch of water each week will keep the plants healthy and promote better flowering. Weed your penstemon flowerbed on a regular basis. Weed management can be achieved with a 3-inch covering of organic mulch, or with rock mulch.
Sunlight
Place your Beardtongue in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. The long stalks stay straight and do not droop with enough light exposure.
Soil
The soil for Beardtongue must be adequately drained. These prairie plants demand rocky or sandy light soil types rather than thick garden loam. It is alright to modify the soil using compost to create correct tilth, however manure applications should be avoided.
Fertilizing
Apply organic fertilizer to Beardtongue plants once a year in the fall. Feeding these flowers with traditional bloom-boosting formulations can stimulate excessive growth and reduce the plants’ lives.
Invasiveness
Beardtongues are not invasive. In some areas, they can be aggressive growers, although deadheading can prevent unwanted seeding.
Growing Beardtongue In Containers
Penstemon grows well in containers or garden boxes. Plant in a flowering plant mix. Water often at first, then only when the ground surface is dry, especially in the heat. The roots should never be flooded. Penstemon may be grown in a variety of upright containers, although they can reach quite tall and are best maintained in 5-inch or bigger pots.
Care & Tips
Give the plants lots of space in the garden, about 1 to 3 feet apart. If your soil is deficient in nutrients, add some compost. When the plants are young, water them at least once a week and apply a large layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay. Mulch will also protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Avoid removing any leaves throughout the winter, since this might help preserve the plant. A dense blanket of fallen leaves may offer a lot of extra protection.
Common Problems
Slugs and snails may eat leaves, especially in wet or gloomy regions, but penstemons don’t have many pest issues. Set up beer traps to capture any stragglers and sprinkle organic material soil around plants to dissuade chewing insects.
When given the right culture of full light and sufficient drainage, Penstemon plants are typically disease-free. Plants with thick clay may succumb to root rot, particularly in places with heavy snow and a protracted spring thaw. Plants that do not have enough soil drainage or are planted too tightly together in Southern gardens may succumb to powdery mildew or Southern blight, a fungal disease sometimes known as white mold. Fungicide sprays cure symptoms but not the source, so add compost to heavy soils or grow penstemons in raised beds to increase airflow for the roots.
Propagating Beardtongue
Because the majority of Beardtongue types are short-lived perennials, seeds are the best and simplest way of replication. Penstemons are simple to grow from seed. Seeds may sprout better after age, matching their natural circumstances, so you can keep seeds for a few years before planting. Plant the seeds in the yard in the autumn to allow for natural stratification. If you wish to start the seeds inside, you can stratify them in the freezer for three months. When buying seeds, be careful to verify the growth zone, as sensitive kinds like the ‘Tubular Bells’ series are sometimes marketed alongside hearty perennials.
Wildlife Attracted By Beardtongue
Beardtongue is a well-known red-flowered perennial. Hummingbirds prefer the nectar from its crimson, funnel-shaped blooms. Other pollinators, like bumblebees and butterflies, will visit the flowers of this plant.
The History Of Beardtongue
From 1810 to 1850, expeditions went throughout Mexico and the western United States, increasing the number of recognized Penstemon species from 4 to 63, followed by another 100 up to 1900.
During this period, seeds began to be sold in Europe, with the first documented sale being in 1813, when John Fraser offered four species in London, followed by Flanagan & Nutting, who offered nine species in their 1835 catalog. As a result, several hybrids were created in Europe.
During the twentieth century, fieldwork in isolated sections of the Great Basin increased the total diversity of plants recognized to over 250. David Keck significantly updated the genus between 1932 and 1957.
Uses For Beardtongue
Penstemons were used by several Native American cultures as human and animal medicine. Its principal use now is aesthetic. Penstemon is a symbol of bravery and spiritual wisdom.
Penstemon, or Beardtongue, is a great choice if you are searching for a high-impact, long-blooming perennial with minimal water requirements and tremendous variety. They fill the yard with spires of foxglove-like blooms in colors ranging from gentle pinks and lavenders to vivid, blazing reds and electric blues in early summer, shortly after your spring bloomers have faded.
