Penstemon 'Cherry' Penstemon 'Cherry'

Water

Beardtongue, commonly known as Penstemon 'Cherry', should be watered deeply once a week during its active growth period, spring through fall, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In the summer, especially in hot climates, you may need to water twice a week, providing about 1-1.5 gallons per watering for established plants. During the winter months, reduce watering to every few weeks, just enough to keep the roots from completely drying out. Always avoid waterlogged conditions as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Beardtongue thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for planting Penstemon 'Cherry' is a location where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.

Temperature

Penstemon 'Cherry' prefers moderate temperatures and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this beardtongue is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from frost and extreme heat, which can both be detrimental to its health.

Pruning

Pruning Beardtongue is important to promote bushy growth and abundant flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the summer to encourage new blooms. In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, cut back the entire plant by about one-third to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged stems.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue 'Cherry' thrives in well-draining, loamy or sandy soil with moderate fertility. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost or peat moss creates an ideal growing medium. The preferred pH range for this Beardtongue is between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Beardtongue 'Cherry' does not need frequent repotting and should only be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue 'Cherry' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments. It thrives in average outdoor humidity conditions and does not necessitate high humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

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

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Beardtongue 'Cherry' begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-drained soil conditions, typically in the spring. Following germination, the seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with a rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plants mature, they develop upright stems and a more extensive root system, entering the vegetative growth stage characterized by the production of green foliage. The reproductive phase follows, with Beardtongue 'Cherry' producing tall spikes adorned with bell-shaped, cherry-red flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules that release seeds, completing the cycle. In the winter, the plant may die back to the ground, becoming dormant, before regrowing from the roots in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Penstemon 'Cherry', also known as Beardtongue, is by seed. The best time to sow Penstemon seeds is late winter to early spring. To propagate, sprinkle the seeds evenly over a well-draining soil mix, preferably in a flat or a pot. Cover the seeds lightly with a thin layer of soil since they need some light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, at room temperature or slightly warmer, around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Germination usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. After seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves and are strong enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.