Beardtongue Penstemon 'Dark Towers' (PBR)
ABOUT
Dark Towers Penstemon is a striking perennial plant known for its unique and attractive foliage and blossoms. It boasts nearly black, glossy foliage that serves as a dramatic backdrop for the plant's features. The leaves are broadly lance-shaped and form a dense clump. Rising above the foliage, the Dark Towers Penstemon has tall spikes of tubular flowers that are a soft, pale pink with a subtle white throat, which contrasts beautifully against the dark leaves. These flowers bloom prolifically from early to mid-summer, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators with their nectar-rich blooms. The overall appearance of the Dark Towers Penstemon is elegant and can add a touch of sophistication to any garden with its combination of dark foliage and delicate flowers. Its robust nature stands out in perennial borders, rock gardens, or as a focal point when planted in groups. Its color contrast and flower shape provide a unique visual interest to gardeners seeking a plant that offers both beautiful blooms and distinctive foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Beardtongue, Dark Towers Beardtongue, Towers of Midnight Penstemon.
Common names
Penstemon 'Dark Towers' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Beardtongue is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities can exist. If someone were to ingest a significant portion of the plant and experience symptoms, it is advisable to contact a healthcare professional.
To pets
Beardtongue is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, since animals can react differently to plants than humans, it is still advisable to prevent your pets from ingesting this plant. If you suspect your pet has eaten a substantial amount and is showing signs of illness, consult your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Dark purple
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators - This variety of Beardtongue is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the garden.
- Drought resistant - Penstemon 'Dark Towers' is relatively drought tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for regular watering.
- Improved garden aesthetics - With its tall, upright form, deep pink flowers, and dark purple foliage, it adds visual interest and contrast to garden borders and beds.
- Low maintenance - This perennial plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-effort landscaping options.
- Adaptable to various soils - Penstemon 'Dark Towers' can thrive in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soils and is relatively adaptable to different garden conditions.
- Long blooming season - This plant typically has a long flowering period, which extends from early summer into the fall, providing a lasting display of color in the landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The Penstemon 'Dark Towers' flowers and foliage can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, achieving subtle shades that synthetic dyes might not offer.
- In ink production: The pigment from the 'Dark Towers' flowers can be utilized to make eco-friendly inks for art and calligraphy.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used for educational purposes in botany and horticulture classes to illustrate plant breeding, hybrid vigor, and cultivar development.
- Photography subject: 'Dark Towers' distinctive tall spires and deep colors make it an attractive subject for botanical photographers and artists to capture.
- Creative crafts: The flowers and seed pods of 'Dark Towers' can be used in dried floral arrangements or for making bookmarks and greeting cards.
- Bee hotels: 'Dark Towers' sturdy stems can be repurposed into material for constructing bee hotels, providing nesting sites for solitary bees.
- Theme gardens: This variety of Penstemon can be featured in a gothic or dark-themed garden due to its deep purple foliage and flowers.
- Soil erosion control: The 'Dark Towers' root system can help stabilize soil, making it suitable for planting on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
- Literary inspiration: The striking appearance of 'Dark Towers' can serve as inspiration for authors or poets looking for natural imagery in their work.
- Color schemes: Professional and amateur garden designers can use 'Dark Towers' as a reference or anchor plant to build color palettes in garden layouts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: The robust nature of the 'Dark Towers' Penstemon, with its sturdy stems and dark foliage, represents strength and resilience.
- Boldness: The vivid, tubular flowers exemplify boldness and courage, standing out in the landscape with striking colors.
- Pride: Often associated with pride due to its tall, upright growth habit, the Penstemon showcases a sense of proud presence in a garden.
- Balance: The combination of its dark foliage and bright flowers symbolize balance between groundedness and vibrancy in life.
WaterBeardtongue requires watering regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, they are more drought tolerant and should be watered less frequently. Depending on the climate and soil type, aim to provide about 1 inch of water weekly, either from rainfall or additional watering. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, but always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering. It's best to water deeply and infrequently rather than shallow and often, to encourage deeper root growth.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sunlight to light shade. Ideally, the plant should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Position it in a spot where morning light is plentiful, and if possible, with some partial afternoon shade in hotter climates to protect it from the intense late-day sun.
TemperatureBeardtongue favours a temperate climate and can tolerate a wide temperature range, but ideally it thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. While it can survive in temperatures as low as 30°F, it should be protected from harsh frosts, and it can still perform well up to around 85°F.
PruningPruning Beardtongue promotes healthy growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prune back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done after the first killing frost in autumn or in early spring for tidiness.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A blend of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand works well. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingBeardtongue rarely needs repotting; do it every 2-3 years if growth slows or roots become crowded.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue thrives in average humidity levels, typical of outdoor environments; indoor humidity levels are generally suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Beardtongue in a sunny spot and ensure well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Dark Towers', commonly known as beardtongue, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring when the soil warms up. The seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the plant's initial leaves, after which it enters the vegetative stage, growing stems, leaves, and roots. Through the growing season, it matures and enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, producing tall spikes of tubular pink-purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing small seeds. As the growing season ends and temperatures drop, beardtongue enters a period of dormancy, with the top growth dying back and the plant surviving the winter as a crown and root system. In the following spring, the plant breaks dormancy and the cycle starts anew, with the perennial plant growing larger over several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating Penstemon 'Dark Towers' is through stem cuttings. This is best done in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 cm) stem section just below a node, where leaves emerge, ensuring that there are at least a couple of node points on the cutting. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining potting mix, water gently, and cover with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Place the cutting in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outside conditions and eventually planted in the garden.
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