How to identify Penstemon?
There are three features to identify a Penstemon: leaves growing opposite each other (rarely whorled or with the upper leaves alternate), tubular flowers, and 5 stamens (four fertile paired and one sterile stamen). If the plant matches these criteria, you are in the presence of a Penstemon! Penstemon digitalis, commonly called foxglove beardtongue or tall white beardtongue, is a clump-forming, Missouri-native perennial which typically grows 3-5′ tall and occurs in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods and along railroad tracks.Penstemon are also called beardtongue because their flower shape resembles a fuzzy tongue. Besides the powdery mildew, they are also prone to rust, another fungal disease. You can identify this infection with the red-orange spores in the first part of the summer.Penstemon are also called beardtongue because their flower shape resembles a fuzzy tongue. Besides the powdery mildew, they are also prone to rust, another fungal disease. You can identify this infection with the red-orange spores in the first part of the summer.
What is another name for penstemon?
Some species of penstemons also go by the common name Beardtongue. This name comes from tiny, delicate hairs on the flower’s stamen. Beardtongue is a flowering plant that is a member of the Penstemon genus. Some members of this genus are poisonous, while others are not, so it is best to exercise caution when planting Beardtongue if you have children or pets.
What are Penstemon plants?
Except for one minor species, the genus Penstemon does not occur naturally outside of North America. They are short to long-lived. Penstemons have opposite, entire or toothed leaves. They have several stalked flowers or flower clusters that are borne in the axils of the upper leaves or leaflike bracts. Soil: Penstemons prefer well-drained soil. They’re particularly sensitive to soggy soil conditions, which can lead to root rot, a common issue with this genus. While some species prefer rich, fertile soil, many are adapted to poor, sandy, or rocky soils, especially those native to drought-prone areas.Most penstemons grow from a basal rosee of leaves and bloom in their second year aer planng. Some penstemons are short‐lived, lasng only two to three years, and others may live four years or more. Penstemons will self‐sow, so be prepared for them to move around your garden.There are so many reasons why I like penstemon. They’re the sort of plants that largely look after themselves, come in a wide range of colours and can flower from mid-summer to autumn. Best of all, at least in my mollusc infested garden, slugs and snails ignore them.Light: Full sun encourages the best flowering and prevents leggy growth. Soil: Penstemons dislike heavy, wet soils and prefer dry to moderately moist conditions. Water: Water regularly in the first year to help establish roots. Once established, only water during prolonged dry spells.Penstemons can become woody and leggy if they are not pruned hard annually. It’s quite straightforward to do: In autumn, cut back plants by about a third, leaving enough foliage to provide winter protection.
Where do penstemons grow best?
Penstemons are perfect for growing in the middle of a mixed border. They do best in a fertile, reasonably moist, free-draining soil. A position in full sun or light shade is ideal. Penstemon are fast-growing summer bloomers, easily grown in a variety of soil types so long as it’s well draining. To keep penstemon happy, plant them in full sun to partial shade with good air circulation. They prefer little fertilizer.Most penstemons are herbaceous perennials, but some hybrid strains are half-hardy and better suited for use as annual bedding plants.Luckily, Penstemons are hardy so you won’t have to worry about them dying off come wintertime (provided it is not a particularly hard winter), plus they’re perennials so they will come back year after year for you to enjoy.Penstemons can become woody and leggy if they are not pruned hard annually. It’s quite straightforward to do: In autumn, cut back plants by about a third, leaving enough foliage to provide winter protection.
Do penstemons like full sun?
Soil type: Penstemons are happiest in fertile, relatively moist but well-drained soil. Aspect & position: Full sun and a sheltered spot out of cold winds will suit penstemons well. Smooth penstemon will grow in partial shade, but it does need at least a half day of sun. It is not a very fussy plant, but in partial shade, in cool, rich soil the stalk can grow higher and be lanky and floppy. A very cool and cloudy spring can also be influential. You may need to stake your plants.Western-native penstemons not only tolerate bright sun, they prefer it; thriving in garden sites that many other plants would find challenging. Most penstemons require at least six hours of full sun to produce erect stems with flowers of clear, bright colors able to withstand wind and rain.