Beardtongues
Penstemon spp.
Penstemon serrulatus 1197 by (talk) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Partial Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H4
RHS hardiness
-10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
3m | Max | 1m |
10cm | Min | 5cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Beardtongues
Beardtongues Overview
Penstemon is a genus of around 276 species of deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennials or subshrubs in the Plantaginaceae family. They are native to North America and found in diverse habitats from open desert to damp woodlands, and up to the alpine zone. Commonly known as Beardtongues, they produce tall spires of showy tubular or open trumpet-shaped flowers in summer and early autumn. Easy to grow and propagate from cuttings, they are popular with bees and other pollinating insects, and there is a species to suit almost every garden style from the informal cottage to urban architectural. Penstemons have been cultivated and hybridised since the early 19th Century- this has resulted in many varieties with diverse flower colours, patterns and ranging in height from 10cm to 3m.
Common problems with Beardtongues
Penstemon can also be attacked by Chrysanthemum eelworm (Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi)
How to harvest Beardtongues
Generally not harvested, stems can be cut for floral arrangements when required.
How to propagate Beardtongues
Seed
Seed sown from varieties will not produce a plant similar to the parent. Seed from species can be sown in early spring. Place seed trays in heated conditions, and grow on until they can be planted out after the last frost.
Layering
Division
Plants can be divided in spring or autumn every three years to revitalise the plant. Replant or pot up straight away to reduce transplantation shock to the plant.
Cuttings
Take softwood cuttings in early summer and keep moist until roots have developed. Pot on into individual containers and grow in a sheltered location. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in mid to late summer.
Special features of Beardtongues
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Beardtongues
Rock garden, cutting bed, border, flower arranging Suitable for coastal conditions.
Summer Blooms for pollinators - Top 20
A choice of the best summer flowering plants for pollinators.
Explore all
