Penstemon 'Flamingo' Penstemon 'Flamingo'

Water

Beardtongues, including the Penstemon 'Flamingo', should be watered deeply but infrequently, with about 1 inch of water per week. The goal is to encourage deep root growth, so water thoroughly to moisten the entire root zone, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, but always check the soil moisture first. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining. In cooler or wetter climates, you may need to reduce the watering frequency to avoid soggy soil.

Light

Beardtongues prefer full sun to partial shade, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Penstemon 'Flamingo' thrives best in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. Too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.

Temperature

Beardtongues can generally handle temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate high temperatures as long as they are well-watered. The ideal temperature range for Penstemon 'Flamingo' is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from extreme cold by mulching in late fall.

Pruning

Prune Beardtongues in the spring to remove any dead or damaged growth from the winter, which helps promote vigorous new growth. Pruning can also be done after the first wave of flowering, typically by deadheading, to encourage a second bloom in late summer or early fall. Cut back the flowering stems by about one-third to one-half after blooming to maintain plant shape and appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue 'Flamingo' prefers well-drained soil with a mix of sand, loam, and some organic matter. The best soil mix would consist of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost or peat moss. An ideal soil pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Beardtongue 'Flamingo' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years as it prefers to be somewhat root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue 'Flamingo' is tolerant of average air humidity and does not require any special humidity conditions. It grows well in the humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, good airflow, and pot with drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, protect from extreme cold and wet.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Penstemon 'Flamingo', commonly known as Beardtongue or Flamingo Penstemon, begins with seed germination, which is typically in spring once the temperature is warm enough. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a basal rosette of leaves. As they mature, they develop upright stems with opposite leaves and, by late spring to early summer, Beardtongue produces tubular flowers favored by hummingbirds and bees for pollination. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules that, once dried, release seeds for dispersal by wind or wildlife. During the colder months, Flamingo Penstemon enters a period of dormancy where growth ceases and the plant may die back, especially in colder climates. Seasonal weather variations and local climates greatly influence the exact timing and duration of each stage.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most common method of propagation for the Penstemon 'Flamingo', also known as Beardtongue, is through stem cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, take a healthy stem cutting about 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 centimeters) long, ensuring there are several sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one set of leaves is above the soil surface. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a warm area with indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new Beardtongue plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually planted in the garden.