Beardtongue Penstemon 'Apple Blossom'

Water

The Beardtongue should be watered deeply once every week or two, depending on the climate and soil moisture levels, ensuring that you provide about one inch of water each time. During the hot summer months, you might need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture, but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water directly at the base of the plant and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases. It's important not to overwater as Beardtongue plants prefer well-draining soil and can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.

Light

Beardtongue thrives in full sunlight, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant it in a location where it can enjoy unobstructed sun exposure for the majority of the day. If you are in an extremely hot climate, some afternoon shade will help prevent scorching, but generally, Beardtongue prefers as much sun as possible to bloom prolifically.

Temperature

Beardtongue can survive in a temperature range from well below freezing to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers moderate temperatures and will do best in conditions that typically range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperature ranges are conducive to its growth and flowering, reflecting its adaptability to various climates across USDA hardiness zones.

Pruning

Pruning Beardtongue is important for encouraging bushier growth and more flowers. Trim the plant back in early spring to promote new growth, and deadhead spent flowers regularly during the blooming season to encourage continuous blooms. Pruning is also necessary after flowering to maintain an attractive shape and to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Best done after the main blooming period, complete pruning before the onset of winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue 'Apple Blossom' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture containing equal parts garden soil, sand, and compost is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Beardtongue 'Apple Blossom' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, typically in the spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue 'Apple Blossom' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to various conditions as it is drought-resistant once established. Avoid overly humid conditions to prevent disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot with well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Penstemon 'Apple Blossom', also known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle when seeds are dispersed into suitable soil in late summer or fall. These seeds then typically undergo a period of cold stratification during the winter, which breaks seed dormancy and promotes spring germination. After germination, seedlings grow into vegetative plants, developing a rosette of leaves at the base and then sending up flowering stems. Flowers generally appear in late spring to early summer and are tubular, pale pink to white blossoms usually pollinated by bees and other insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing numerous seeds, which mature and are subsequently released to start the next generation. Beardtongue is a perennial plant, allowing the base rosette to overwinter and regrow for several years, continuing the cycle of flowering and seed production annually.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Penstemon 'Apple Blossom', commonly known as Beardtongue, is through stem cuttings. Ideally, this should be done in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Take a cutting of about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 cm) from a healthy stem, making sure it includes a few leaf nodes. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one or two nodes are buried where roots can form. Keep the cutting moist and in bright, indirect light until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into a suitable location in the garden.