Beard Tongue Penstemon Etna = 'Yatna' (Volcano Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Penstemon Etna, part of the Volcano Series, is a striking perennial plant known for its vibrant and showy attributes. This particular variety boasts floral spikes adorned with numerous tubular flowers. The flowers are characterized by their vivid hues which can range from deep purples to rich reds, creating a dramatic visual impact in any garden or landscape. The foliage of the Penstemon Etna is equally attractive, comprising lance-shaped leaves that are slender and pointed. These leaves typically display a lush green color, forming a dense and bushy clump that serves as a backdrop to the dramatic inflorescences. The overall appearance of the plant is one of robust vitality and colorful exuberance, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a pop of color and vertical interest to their planting schemes. Furthermore, the Penstemon Etna is appreciated for its extended blooming period, offering a long season of interest. This resilience adds to its appeal, as it not only provides aesthetic beauty but also serves as an important source of nectar for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. The plant's ability to withstand varied conditions makes it a versatile addition to various garden styles, where it contributes a sense of dynamism and natural charm.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Plantaginaceae.
- Synonyms
  Beardtongue, Etna Penstemon.
- Common names
  Penstemon Etna = 'Yatna' (Volcano Series).
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Beardtongue (Penstemon) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that Penstemon, including the Penstemon Etna 'Yatna', possess any substances that would cause poisoning in humans upon ingestion. Therefore, if ingested, it is unlikely to result in any harmful symptoms as a result of toxicity.
- To pets
  The Beardtongue (Penstemon) is also regarded as non-toxic to pets. It is not known to contain any harmful substances that would cause poisoning in animals if parts of the plant are consumed. Thus, ingestion of Penstemon Etna 'Yatna' by pets should not lead to any severe symptoms or toxicity-related consequences. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion might cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant material itself.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Semi-deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Red
- Height
  2 feet 24 inches (60 cm)
- Spread
  2 feet 24 inches (60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  6
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Penstemon Etna is quite drought tolerant, making it a great choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Beardtongue generally requires minimal care, thriving in many soil types and not needing frequent watering or fertilization.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season from late spring through to the fall, providing color in the garden for an extended period.
- Deer Resistant: Penstemon is not favored by deer, so it is less likely to be damaged in gardens where deer browsing is a problem.
- Versatile Landscaping: Its upright form and colorful tubular flowers offer vertical interest and work well in borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Color Variety: The Volcano Series, including Penstemon Etna, offers a range of colors, adding visual appeal to the landscape.
- Hardy: Penstemon is known for its hardiness and can survive in a range of climates and temperatures, making it a robust choice for various garden zones.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Artistic Medium: Penstemon's vibrant colors can be used for botanical illustrations or pressed flower art, capturing their beauty in a unique and permanent way.
- Photography Subjects: Due to their striking appearance, Penstemons can serve as an excellent subject for nature photography, lending themselves to artistic macro photography techniques.
- Educational Tool: These plants could be used in school gardens or biology classes to teach about pollination, botanical structures, and plant growth habits.
- Landscape Design: Penstemons can be integrated into xeriscapes, or water-wise landscapes, to provide a colorful contrast to cacti and succulents while conserving water.
- Erosion Control: When planted on slopes or banks, Penstemons' root systems can help prevent soil erosion, holding the ground firm.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for culinary use, the flowers can be used as edible decorations for cakes and pastries if confirmed safe and pesticide-free.
- Color Inspiration: The shades of Penstemon blooms can inspire color palettes for interior design, fashion design, or website aesthetics.
- Event Decoration: Fresh Penstemon flowers can provide natural decor for special events or weddings, particularly for rustic or garden themes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Planting Penstemon can provide necessary habitat and food sources for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in a garden setting.
- Symbolic Gift: Penstemons can represent a thoughtful gift, symbolizing the courage and readiness to face challenges, due to their ability to thrive in challenging conditions.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Resilience: The Penstemon Etna, associated with volcanic landscapes, symbolizes the ability to thrive amid challenging conditions, much like plants that grow in volcanic soil.
- Strength: Akin to the sturdy nature of a volcano, this plant is often seen as a representation of inner strength and steadfastness.
- Passion: The fiery colors of the Penstemon Etna's blooms are reminiscent of volcanic activity and can symbolize intense feelings and emotions.
- Adaptability: This plant's capacity to adapt to various environments is reflected in its symbolic meaning of versatility and flexibility.
- Beauty: Despite growing in harsh conditions, the Penstemon Etna is known for its beautiful flowers, symbolizing the idea that beauty can arise in unexpected places.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Beardtongue should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moistened but not soggy. During periods of drought, increase watering to twice a week. On average, use about one to two gallons of water per plant for each watering session, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. Adjust the amount as needed during extremely hot or dry periods to maintain consistent soil moisture. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases.
Light
Beardtongue thrives best in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot would receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid placing it in deep shade as this can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
Temperature
Beardtongue is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. However, the ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 75°F. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 20°F for extended periods.
Pruning
Prune beardtongue to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second bloom. Regular pruning, also called deadheading, should be done throughout the blooming season. Additionally, cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy new growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
For Beardtongue (Penstemon), a well-draining soil mix is crucial. Aim for a mix that consists of equal parts of garden soil, sand, and peat or compost. Additionally, Beardtongue prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.8 to 7.0. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
Repotting
Beardtongue doesn't need frequent repotting and prefers to be undisturbed. It’s typically repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has clearly outgrown its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the growing season.
Humidity & Misting
Beardtongue prefers moderate humidity levels and will thrive in conditions that mimic its native environment. It does not require high humidity; average room humidity is generally sufficient for healthy growth.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, occasional watering, and good air flow for indoor Beardtongue.
- Outdoor
  Plant in sun/part shade, enrich soil with compost, and provide adequate water for outdoor Beardtongue.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of the plant known as Penstemon 'Etna', which is part of the Volcano Series, begins with seed germination, occurring in warm, moist conditions typically in spring. As the seedlings develop, they grow into young plants with a rosette of foliage and then mature into bushy, upright perennial plants. During late spring to early summer, the mature Penstemon 'Etna' produces spikes of tubular flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After the flowering period, the plant may set seed, which can be collected and then sowed to generate new plants, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, Penstemon 'Etna' may be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. In the autumn and winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy, with above-ground growth dying back and the roots remaining alive to regenerate the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- The most popular method of propagation for the Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, particularly the Penstemon Etna 'Yatna', is by seed. To propagate Beardtongue from seed, it is best to sow the seeds in late winter to early spring, under a thin layer of soil, approximately 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters) deep. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds usually require a period of stratification, which means they need to undergo a simulated winter chill to break dormancy. It is generally recommended to provide this cold treatment for about 6-8 weeks by placing the seed tray in a refrigerator before moving it to a warmer area for germination. Once germinated, seedlings can be grown on in cooler conditions until they are large enough to transplant outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.