Beardtongue Penstemon barbatus
ABOUT
Commonly known as the beardtongue, this plant is a perennial that features a striking appearance with its lush green foliage and tall stems, which culminate in spike-like clusters of tubular flowers. The blooms come in a vibrant range of colors, including reds, pinks, and sometimes purples, with a contrasting white throat that adds to their charm. Beardtongue's foliage is lance-shaped, with leaves arranged oppositely on the stem, providing a rich green backdrop for the showy flowers. The flowers themselves are a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies, as their shape is perfectly suited for these pollinators. Each flower boasts a slightly inflated tube, flaring into five lobes at the mouth, the look resembling an open throat. The overall presentation of the beardtongue is one of upright grace, with its stems ascending skyward, and the flowers densely packed, adding vibrant splashes of color to gardens. The plant creates a visually appealing vertical element, which can be accented when set against the contrasting shapes and textures of other garden plantings. Its appearance exudes a mix of wild beauty and garden elegance, making it a cherished choice for many garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae.
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Scarlet Bugler, Penstemon, Red Penstemon, Beard Tongue, Beard Tongue Penstemon.
Common names
Chelone barbata, Penstemon coccineus.
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemon barbatus, commonly known as Beardtongue, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented adverse effects or symptoms of poisoning from ingesting the plant. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
To pets
Beardtongue is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. It is generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals in the garden. There should be no significant toxicity symptoms if pets happen to ingest parts of the Penstemon barbatus plant. However, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is always best to prevent pets from eating large quantities of any non-food plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides a valuable nectar source for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to landscapes with its tall spikes of tubular flowers, available in a variety of hues.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly tolerant of drought, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Ease of Care: Requires minimal maintenance, making it a convenient choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Cold Hardy: Able to withstand cooler temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a range of climates.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a long season of blooms, often from late spring to early fall, providing continuous color in the garden.
- Soil Adaptability: Grows in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils, allowing for versatility in garden placement.
- Diversity of Uses: Can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.
- Deer Resistant: Not typically favored by deer, which can help to reduce garden damage in areas where deer are prevalent.
- Propagation: Can be easily propagated from seed or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hummingbird attractor: The bright red flowers of the Beardtongue are known to attract hummingbirds, making it a popular choice for gardens aimed at bringing in these birds.
- Butterfly garden inclusion: Besides hummingbirds, Beardtongue can also attract butterflies, serving as a nectar source for these pollinators.
- Erosion control: The root system of Beardtongue helps stabilize soil, which can be beneficial for erosion control on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
- Xeriscaping: Beardtongue is drought-resistant, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens that require minimal water resources.
- Cut flowers: The long, vibrant blooms of Beardtongue make it a good candidate for fresh cut flowers in arrangements and bouquets.
- Education and research: The distinct morphology of Beardtongue flowers can be used for educational purposes to demonstrate pollination and plant anatomy.
- Photography subject: The striking appearance of Beardtongue plants, particularly when in bloom, makes them an appealing subject for nature and garden photographers.
- Nature-inspired art: Artists may use the Beardtongue as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art due to its vibrant colors and interesting structure.
- Horticultural training: Beardtongue plants can be used to teach horticulture techniques such as propagation and pruning.
- Thematic garden design: Beardtongue's distinct look can contribute to thematic garden designs, such as 'Wild West' or native plant gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiBeardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBeardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Penstemon barbatus, commonly known as Beardtongue, often grows in challenging conditions such as rocky soils and mountainous terrains, symbolizing the ability to thrive despite hardships.
- Attraction: With its brightly colored tubular flowers, Beardtongue is particularly attractive to hummingbirds and bees, representing allure and magnetism.
- Versatility: Beardtongue's ability to adapt to various environments symbolizes flexibility and the willingness to adjust in different life situations.
- Diversity: Beardtongue comes in a variety of colors and forms, symbolizing the beauty of diversity and the importance of embracing unique traits.
WaterThe Beardtongue requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Establish a routine to water them deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons each time to soak the soil thoroughly. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and water at the base of the plant instead. Reduce watering frequency as the plant matures, as Beardtongue is drought-tolerant. During winter or in cooler climates, watering can be cut back to every other week or less, depending on rainfall and soil moisture, since this plant doesn't like to sit in water-logged soil.
LightBeardtongue thrives best in full sunlight conditions, so it's ideal to plant it in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for Beardtongue would be in an area that gets plenty of morning light and protection from the intense midday sun, if possible, especially in hotter climates. Partial shade is also acceptable, but the plant may not bloom as prolifically.
TemperatureBeardtongue prefers moderate temperatures and does well in an environment where the daytime temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, making it suitable for many temperate regions. However, it's less tolerant of extreme heat, so it should be protected from temperatures consistently above 90°F to prevent stress.
PruningPrune Beardtongue to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading the faded flowers helps in promoting new growth and maintaining an attractive appearance. Pruning is also necessary to remove any damaged or diseased foliage. The best time to prune Beardtongue is late fall or early spring, when the plant is either dormant or beginning to grow.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue thrives in well-draining soil with plenty of grit or gravel to enhance drainage. A mixture of loam, sand, and compost is ideal, ensuring the soil is not too rich in nutrients as this can inhibit flowering. The preferred soil pH for Beardtongue is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.
RepottingBeardtongue is usually not repotted often, as it prefers to be left undisturbed. It's best to repot only when it outgrows its current container or if the soil needs refreshing, typically once every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue prefers average to low humidity levels and can tolerate dry air conditions. It does not require any special humidity considerations as long as it is watered adequately.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon barbatus, commonly known as beardtongue, begins its life as a seed which, when conditions are favorable, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows into a vegetative plant, which will establish a strong root system and lush foliage during this growth stage. Upon reaching maturity, the beardtongue produces tall flower stalks adorned with tubular flowers, typically in shades ranging from red to pink, during late spring to early summer. After pollination, which is often aided by hummingbirds and bees attracted to the flowers for nectar, the plant sets fruit in the form of capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. As the growing season ends, the above-ground part of the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, while the roots can survive underground during the winter, allowing the plant to regrow the following spring. Some varieties may act as short-lived perennials or annuals depending on the climate and growing conditions, thus completing their life cycle in one or a few growing seasons, respectively.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Beardtongue (Penstemon barbatus) is through seed sowing. Seeds can be sown in late winter or early spring in a cold frame or indoors under grow lights. They need to be lightly covered with soil, as they require some light for germination. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for germination at a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves and are strong enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on in cooler conditions until they are ready to be planted out after all danger of frost has passed.
