Beardtongue Penstemon 'Alice Hindley'

Water

Beardtongue prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water the plant once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant, depending on the weather conditions. During hotter periods, you may need to water more frequently to ensure the soil doesn't completely dry out. Reduce watering to every other week during cooler months or if rain is prevalent. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to encourage deep rooting but allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Light

Beardtongue thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal for this plant. If you live in a particularly hot climate, providing afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Beardtongue is between 55°F and 85°F. It can tolerate occasional dips in temperature down to about 20°F and can survive brief periods of higher temperatures as long as they are not prolonged. However, consistent temperatures outside of the ideal range may stress the plant and hinder growth.

Pruning

Pruning Beardtongue promotes vigorous growth and encourages more blooms. Prune in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and again after the first wave of blooming to encourage a second bloom cycle. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season will also improve the plant’s appearance and vigor.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 6.5 to 8.0. An ideal soil mix for Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' would consist of a combination of loam, sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Beardtongue plants like Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' generally do not need to be repotted often, as they prefer to be undisturbed. Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue prefers average to low humidity levels and does well in typical outdoor humidity conditions, so there is no need to adjust the humidity level specifically for Penstemon 'Alice Hindley'.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, minimal water, and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Provide full sun, well-drained soil, and protect from severe cold.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Penstemon 'Alice Hindley', commonly referred to as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in a well-draining soil mix under warm temperatures. Once emerged, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants sporting a rosette of leaves. During the growing season, the plant develops a sturdy stem and produces lance-shaped foliage, leading up to the flowering stage where it exhibits large, tubular violet-blue flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, which ripen and are dispersed to begin a new generation. Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' is a perennial, and as such, after the blooming period it enters a phase of dormancy during the colder months, with the foliage dying back. The plant resumes growth the following spring from its rootstock, completing its life cycle and beginning anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Penstemon 'Alice Hindley', commonly known as Beardtongue, is through softwood cuttings. This is usually performed in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is just beginning to harden. Cuttings should be about 3 to 6 inches long with several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful root development. The prepared cuttings are then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one or two nodes are below the surface. The environment should be kept humid, which can be achieved by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or placing them in a propagator. Rooting typically takes place within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually planted out.