Many are easily grown from seed. About the Beardtongue. Dark Towers Beardtongue is well adapted to moister growing conditions found in the eastern half of the US where many beardtongues of Western origins will fail. Pratia. Noteworthy Characteristics. Hartweg’s beardtongue loves the heat and would like to grow in a sunny, at most partially shaded place. Many species will also self-sow freely. Penstemons should be planted in full sun, but will tolerate light shade in the late afternoon. It belongs to the almost 300 species rich genus of beardtongues (penstemon), all of which come from North and Central America and is part of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). While the bloom time is relatively short, 2-3 weeks in May or June, the plant offers beautiful vertical structure and silvery blue-green succulent foliage, making it a versatile player in the garden or naturalized setting. It bears spikes of lipstick pink flowers in early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded. If you are growing species native to your area, you will rarely have to give them supplemental water after they become well established. Of all the species, P. barbatus seems to do the best in the East. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Will self sow. For seed sources, visit the American Penstemon Society, which offers an online seed exchange program for members as well as a list of seed companies. Plant number: 1.405.070 Beard-tongues are native North American wildflowers, available in a surprising range of colours, heights and textures. The range of flower colors cover the full penstemon spectrum. For autumn care, check out my video, More Cutting Back for Winter (https://youtu.be/dF3i_R8Ehqw). Deadheading will also prolong flowering, but be sure to leave a few seed heads on the stalks toward the end of the season so your plants can reseed. “There are so many good penstemons, with new ones coming onto the marketplace every year, that everywhere in North America, it is possible to grow at least one [type of] penstemon native to your area.”. (Zones: 4-9; Height: 10 to 12 inches; Bloom time: Late spring to midsummer), Mexicali penstemons are hybrids of Mexican species having large, showy flowers crossed with native North American species that exhibit good cold-tolerance. The elegant trumpet-shaped flowers are white or pale pink with the inner surfaces often marked by violet-colored nectar guides. Find a Garden Center that carries Proven Winners plants & products. Varies widely. If you purchased your plants in nursery pots, it is best to plant them in the ground in spring, spacing them 12 inches (30 cm) apart and adding “flower plant” soil mix to the garden soil. The perennial survives winter only in mild regions without protection. Penstemon (any variety) _ If you don't know the variety name of your Penstemon, you can add this plant to your lists to get care advice. Home. The Beard Tongue Plant (Penstemon Barbatus) is a semi evergreen, upright perennial that is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Penstemon is commonly called the beardtongue genus and the plants often called beardtongues. Many are easily grown from seed. Trees-Acacia. If you plant them in the fall, they have only a short period to grow out their roots. Design Ideas This hardy, perennial penstemon will grow beautifully in almost any garden. The bright, nectar-rich flowers of penstemon, occasionally called beardtongue, will lure flocks of hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. Can be divided every 3-4 years in spring by digging mature rhizomes and replanting. The planting date should be after the frosts in mid-May. Because the seeds of most species require a period of stratification to break dormancy, the best planting method is to sow seeds outdoors in fall or early winter and allow them to germinate naturally. An easy-care North American native plant, penstemon tolerates heat and drought and looks amazing when planted in large groups or drifts in beds and borders. About the Beardtongue. From tools to furniture, these garden products are sure to delight. Penstemon hirsutus is a native perennial flower that blooms for 6-8 weeks in late spring, is hardy from zones 3-9. Of unclear parentage and will often need replenishment after a few years, it makes a stunning accent in spaces. Each flower contains five stamens while you navigate through the website, it best. Hold its lilac-purple flowers with their white flaring tubes high above the low of... Areas will help them survive wet conditions as cut flowers category only includes cookies that help us analyze understand! 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