Beardtongue Penstemon 'Countess of Dalkeith'

Water

Beardtongue should be watered deeply once a week during its active growing season, which typically occurs in spring and summer. Aim for the equivalent of one inch of rainfall, which translates to approximately 0.6 gallons for a medium-sized plant. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. It’s important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In the winter, reduce watering significantly and only provide water if the soil is completely dry to the touch.

Light

Beardtongue thrives in spots that receive full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Places that offer morning sunlight and some afternoon shade are perfect, particularly in regions with very hot summers.

Temperature

Beardtongue plants prefer moderate temperatures and can do well in climates where the temperature ranges from approximately 40°F to 85°F. They're hardy to USDA Zone 3, which can reach minimum temperatures of -40°F. These plants can tolerate brief periods of colder temperatures down to about -30°F, but prefer to be within the moderate range during their growing season.

Pruning

Beardtongue should be pruned to encourage bushiness and to maintain a neat appearance. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, will promote continued blooming throughout the season. After the first killing frost, cut back the stems to about an inch above the soil level. This also helps to prevent disease and prepares the plant for winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite will create an optimal environment for Penstemon 'Countess of Dalkeith'.

Repotting

Beardtongue does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. The best time to repot is in the spring.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity found in many home environments. Avoid extremely high humidity to prevent disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, protect from extreme cold.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Penstemon 'Countess of Dalkeith', commonly referred to as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is highly dependent on temperature and soil conditions. Upon germination, the seedling develops a root system and foliage, emerging as a small plant. As the Beardtongue matures, it produces a rosette of leaves at ground level in its first year, with stem growth and leaf production continuing as it enters its vegetative stage. Floral development occurs afterwards, with the plant producing tall spikes adorned with tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruit containing seeds, which are then dispersed to give rise to new plants. The plant may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, only to resume growth and flowering in the following season, thereby continuing its perennial life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Penstemon 'Countess of Dalkeith', often referred to as Beardtongue, is through stem cuttings. This is ideally done in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a segment approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long just below a node, which is where leaves and buds are attached to the stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, water it thoroughly, and place it in a location with indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.