Beardtongue Penstemon Fujiyama = 'Yayama' (PBR)
ABOUT
The plant known as Penstemon 'Fujiyama', often recognized for its ornamental beauty, features a striking and vibrant display of color. It showcases tubular flowers with a prominent, rich hue that can range from pink to red, creating an eye-catching contrast against the backdrop of foliage. The foliage itself typically presents in a lush green tone, with lance-shaped leaves that are neatly arranged along the stems. This creates a verdant canvas that complements the bright blooms. The flowers are arranged in clusters atop the stems, and they tend to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding to the plant’s visual appeal and its contribution to garden biodiversity. Overall, Penstemon 'Fujiyama' is admired for its bold floral show and the touch of elegance it adds to garden landscapes.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Plantaginaceae.
Synonyms
Fujiyama Beardtongue, Yayama Penstemon.
Common names
Penstemon Fujiyama = 'Yayama' (PBR)
- Toxicity
To humans
Penstemon, also commonly known as Beardtongue, generally is not toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingestion of plants that are not known to be edible, as individual allergies or sensitivities can cause adverse reactions. If one were to experience any unusual symptoms following the ingestion of any part of the Beardtongue plant, seeking medical advice is recommended.
To pets
Beardtongue is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, just like humans, pets may have individual sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or other mild symptoms. If a pet shows any signs of distress after ingesting any part of the Beardtongue plant, consult a veterinarian for advice and treatment if necessary.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
North America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: This plant is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination and maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Penstemon Fujiyama 'Yayama' is considered low maintenance, which makes it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: It has the ability to withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping or regions with water restrictions.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, providing color and vibrancy to the landscape for an extended period.
- Cold Hardy: It is resistant to cold temperatures, which makes it a robust choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Decorative: With attractive foliage and flowers, Penstemon Fujiyama 'Yayama' adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Friendly: The flowers provide nectar for various species of wildlife, encouraging a biodiverse environment.
- Adaptable: Penstemon Fujiyama 'Yayama' can adapt to a range of soil types as long as they are well-draining.
- Compact Growth: It has a compact growth habit, which makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, or as a container plant.
- Versatile Landscaping: The plant can be used in rock gardens, meadows, perennial borders, and as a ground cover depending on the landscaping needs.
- 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
- Attracting Hummingbirds: The tubular flowers of penstemon can serve as a natural attractant to hummingbirds, adding not just beauty to the garden but also an opportunity for bird watching.
- Educational Resource: Penstemon can be used in educational settings as a demonstration plant to teach about pollination, as its flowers are designed to accommodate certain pollinators.
- Ink and Dye Production: The deep pigments of some penstemon flowers may be used for the production of natural inks and dyes for art or fabric coloring.
- Photography Subject: With their striking blooms, penstemons can provide a beautiful subject for nature photographers and photography enthusiasts.
- Garden Borders: Penstemons, with their upright growth habit, are often used in creating distinct garden borders or as part of a perennial bedding scheme.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of penstemon flowers can be used as a colorful and ornate garnish for salads and desserts.
- Craft Projects: Dried penstemon flowers can be used in various craft projects, such as making bookmarks, pressed flower art, or potpourri.
- Symbolic Planting: Because of their vibrant blooms and diverse range, penstemons can be planted as a symbol of biodiversity and the importance of native planting.
- Water Conservation Garden: Penstemons are often drought-resistant and can be included in xeriscaping or water-wise gardens to demonstrate environmentally sustainable landscaping.
- Winter Interest: Some penstemon varieties have evergreen foliage or seed heads that provide visual interest in the garden even during colder months.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Beardtongue plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Beardtongue plant is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Beauty: Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, produces elegant tubular flowers that are often admired for their ornamental beauty, symbolizing visual appeal and adornment.
- Hardiness: Penstemon is known for its ability to thrive in tough conditions, often symbolizing resilience and the capability to endure challenging environments.
- Diversity: With a wide range of species and varieties, the beardtongue plant represents diversity and the beauty of variety in life.
- Balance: The Penstemon 'Yayama' with its upright growth habit and structured appearance can symbolize balance and orderliness in life.
- Water
Beardtongue, also known as Penstemon, requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week using approximately one gallon of water for an established plant. In hot and dry periods, increase the frequency to twice per week. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to prevent over-watering. Adjust the watering schedule during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Light
Beardtongue thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, place the plant in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some shade, too much can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. A south or west-facing location is ideal for ensuring ample light exposure.
- Temperature
Beardtongue is generally hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F and is heat tolerant in high temperatures as long as it's well-watered. Ideally, maintain a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F for the best growth, as this mimics its natural environment.
- Pruning
Pruning beardtongue is beneficial for encouraging bushier growth and more blooms. Prune in early spring by cutting back dead or leggy stems to a set of healthy buds. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season can also promote a second flush of blooms. Perform a thorough pruning once a year, or more frequently to tidy up the plant and maintain its shape.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Beardtongue requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal to provide good drainage and adequate nutrients. Regular garden soil amended with organic matter can also be suitable for this adaptable plant.
- Repotting
Beardtongue plants generally do not need to be repotted frequently. Repot every 2 to 3 years or when the plant has clearly outgrown its pot, shown by roots crowding the container.
- Humidity & Misting
Beardtongue prefers moderate humidity conditions; however, it is quite adaptable and can tolerate the dry air encountered in many homes and gardens. There is no specific humidity level required for this plant.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot in well-draining soil; prune back in spring.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Penstemon Fujiyama, commonly known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle as seeds that germinate in late winter to early spring when the soil temperature is adequate for growth. The seedlings emerge and begin to establish a root system while sprouting their initial set of true leaves. As temperatures rise, the young plants enter a vegetative stage, developing a robust foliage system throughout the spring. By early to mid-summer, the Penstemon Fujiyama produces tall spikes adorned with tubular flowers that are attractive to pollinators, ensuring the plant's reproductive success. After flowering, the plant sets seed which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, thus completing its reproductive cycle. As winter approaches, the Penstemon Fujiyama's above-ground foliage dies back, but the plant remains dormant underground with its perennial root system, ready to regenerate the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Penstemon Fujiyama 'Yayama' is by taking semi-ripe cuttings during the late summer months. For effective propagation, cut stems that are about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring that each cutting has a few leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to promote root growth. Then, insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mixture, making sure to maintain a moist environment without overwatering. Covering the cuttings with a plastic bag can help retain humidity. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the young plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.