Beardtongue Penstemon 'George Home'

Water

The Beardtongue should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural dry habitat, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. During the growing season, check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Depending on weather conditions, watering once a week should suffice, with adjustments made during periods of heavy rainfall or drought. It is better to use gallons for measurement, so roughly 0.623 gallons of water is ideal for an established plant each week.

Light

The Beardtongue thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location where it can receive morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. However, it is adaptable and can still perform well with slightly less light.

Temperature

The Beardtongue is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of temperatures, generally thriving in temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. To flourish, the Beardtongue prefers the warmer end of its range during the growing season.

Pruning

Pruning the Beardtongue promotes healthy growth, encourages bushiness, and enhances blooming. Prune or deadhead the spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season to stimulate new blooms. After flowering has finished, cut back the stems by up to one-third to maintain a tidy form and prevent self-seeding. The best time for a more significant pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level, typically between 6.5 and 8.0. A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure will create an ideal environment for these penstemons. Ensuring good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Beardtongue typically doesn't need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It's best to repot these penstemons every 2-3 years or when you notice the roots are crowded and start to come out of the drainage holes.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue does well in average room humidity but can tolerate drier conditions. It's adaptable to the typical humidity levels found in most homes and does not require any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, begins with seed germination, which occurs in the spring or fall, depending on when the seed is planted and environmental conditions. Following germination, the seedling grows into a young plant with a set of true leaves, at which point it undergoes vegetative growth, developing a rosette of leaves at the base. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, where it produces showy tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing small seeds. As the growing season ends, the plant may go dormant in winter, especially in colder climates, although in some areas it may retain its foliage year-round. Finally, in successive years, the plant continues to grow and produce flowers, completing its perennial life cycle until naturally senescing after several seasons.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Penstemon 'George Home', commonly known as beardtongue, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The most popular method involves taking a healthy, non-flowering stem cutting from the parent plant during the late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) section of the stem with several leaves using clean, sharp scissors or pruners. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development, and insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mixture of half peat and half perlite or vermiculite. The cutting should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new Penstemon can be transplanted to a more permanent location.