Penstemon is one of our more spectacular native plants. Found in mountainous areas and their foothills, the herbaceous species is a temperate zone darling and thrives in most areas of the western United States. Also called Beard Tongue, the plant produces dozens of tubular flowers arranged on a tall stalk.
You will have seen these attractive flowers if you have gone hiking in Mexico to western North America from May to August. Penstemon plants are related to Snapdragons and come in various cultivated hues for the home gardener. The flowers are perfectly shaped to accommodate hummingbirds, who spend their nesting period at the Penstemon snack bar.
Each flower has five petals, and they come in hues of lavender, salmon, pink, red, and white. The stems are triangular, and the leaves are arranged opposite with grayish-green tones. Several different species exist, and more are in cultivation. The exact shape of the leaves varies in each cultivar of Penstemon plants. They may be oval or sword-shaped, smooth, or waxy.
Penstemon is a commonly found perennial, which may also grow as an annual plant in chilly or excessively hot regions.
Growing Conditions
The best location for your Penstemon is in a full sun area with well-draining soil. Penstemon care and maintenance are minimal if the site and moisture requirements are met. Poorly draining soils and freezing temperatures while the plant is still active are the biggest causes of plant mortality.
The perennial is remarkably tolerant of drought conditions and is a stalwart presence in even low-nutrient soils. It has had to be adaptable to thrive in windy, exposed areas of mountain foothills.
Propagation
You can grow Penstemon from seed. They begin as rosettes low to the ground before forming the characteristic flower stalk. Indoor sowing should begin in late winter. Seedlings are ready to transplant when they have a second set of true leaves.
Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart and mix in a little compost at planting time to help conserve water and increase porosity.
Care and Maintenance
Water the young plants at least once per week as they establish. You can reduce watering as the plant matures. Mulch around the plants to help protect the roots from winter's cold and prevents spring weeds.
The flower spire will produce seeds in late summer to early fall, and the petals will fall away from the seeds.
Penstemon makes an excellent cut flower, which will last for at least a week. So go native and plant some Penstemon plants in your sunny perennial garden.
Source: gardeningknowhow.com
Links
- Back to genus Penstemon
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin