Beardtongue Penstemon 'George Moon'
ABOUT
Penstemon 'George Moon' is a garden perennial known for its striking flowers and foliage. This plant often stands out in garden borders due to its vibrant blooms. The blossoms are bell-shaped and typically have a rich, warm color palette. They display a gradient of hues from deep, saturated oranges and reds to lighter, sun-kissed yellows, truly making the flower spikes appear ablaze with color. The inside of the flowers may feature a contrasting throat, often striped or spotted with a different shade that can draw in pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Below the flowers, the foliage of Penstemon 'George Moon' also adds to its beauty. The leaves are generally lance-shaped or narrow, with a lush green color that creates a lovely backdrop for the bright flowers. The plant may have a bushy habit, with stems that can elegantly arch under the weight of the blooming flowers. The overall form of the plant is often neat and compact, making it a versatile choice for various garden situations where its vivid display and hardy nature are desired. Its ornamental value is most pronounced when it's in full bloom, typically in the warmer months of the year, when the contrast between the rich floral colors and the green foliage is at its peak.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Beardtongue, George Moon Penstemon.
Common names
Penstemon 'George Moon'.
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemon 'George Moon', commonly referred to as Beardtongue, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of poisoning or adverse health effects resulting from ingesting or handling this plant. Consequently, if this plant is ingested, it is unlikely to cause harm, but like with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible.
To pets
Beardtongue does not have a known toxicity to pets such as dogs or cats. It is generally considered non-toxic, and there are no significant reports of poisoning in animals after ingesting parts of this plant. Therefore, if a pet were to ingest Beardtongue, it is not expected to experience poisoning or serious health issues, though individual sensitivities may still occur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'George Moon' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It is recognized for its ease of cultivation, requiring minimal maintenance once established in suitable conditions.
- Long Blooming Season: Penstemon 'George Moon' offers a long blooming period, providing color and interest from late spring into summer.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it a hardy choice for various climates.
- Landscape Focal Point: With its striking flowers and upright habit, Penstemon 'George Moon' serves as an eye-catching focal point in garden designs.
- Soil Adaptability: It can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they provide good drainage.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for use in borders, rock gardens, and as a specimen or accent plant.
- Non-Invasive: Penstemon 'George Moon' is not known to be invasive, making it a responsible choice for controlled garden environments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Penstemon 'George Moon' can be used in pressed flower art for its colorful blossoms which retain color well when dried.
- The plant's dense growth habit makes it ideal as a low natural border or edging in landscaping projects.
- Use cuttings of 'George Moon' to create an eye-catching, long-lasting bouquet due to its sturdy stems.
- Dyers may use the flowers for obtaining natural dyes, experimenting to capture the plant's vivid hues in textiles.
- 'George Moon' can be incorporated into sensory gardens for its textured foliage and attractive blossoms, providing a tactile and visual experience.
- Penstemon can be used as a seasonal indicator in gardens since they bloom at a specific time of year, helping to track the progression of the seasons.
- Photographers can utilize the vibrant 'George Moon' flowers as a natural backdrop for macro photography or portraits.
- In culinary uses, the flowers may be used as delicate garnishes on desserts or salads, although it is important to verify they are free from pesticides and safe for consumption.
- The plant may serve as an ecological barometer since certain species of Penstemon are known to be sensitive to environmental changes.
- Enthusiasts of Penstemon, including 'George Moon', may take part in seed exchanges to cultivate rare or unusual varieties, promoting biodiversity and conservation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attractiveness: Penstemon, often referred to as beardtongue due to the appearance of its flowers, can symbolize the idea of allure and attraction, as these plants are known for their showy blooms that attract pollinators.
- Diversity: Given the wide variety of Penstemon species and hybrids, they can represent diversity and variety in the natural world.
- Hardiness: Penstemons are known for being hardy and able to thrive in tough environments, which can symbolize resilience and the ability to withstand diverse challenges.
- Health and Vitality: Penstemon flowers are rich in nectar, serving as a valuable resource for bees and butterflies, thus symbolizing health, sustenance, and vitality.
WaterBeardtongue, widely known as Penstemon 'George Moon', prefers well-drained soil and should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During hot, dry periods, it typically requires about 1 inch of water weekly. Check the top 2-3 inches of soil for dryness before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. In cooler weather or if the plant is in a shadier location, you may need to water less frequently.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. For best flowering, place your Penstemon 'George Moon' in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. Although it can tolerate partial shade, reduced sunlight may result in fewer blooms. Ensure the plant is not overshadowed by larger plants or structures for optimal growth.
TemperatureBeardtongue prefers temperatures that typically range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for Penstemon 'George Moon' to flourish is between 70-78 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that the plant has the warmth it needs without being exposed to extreme heat.
PruningPrune your Beardtongue to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth with more blooms. Trim back the spent flower spikes after blooming to promote a second bloom in late summer or early fall. It is also advisable to cut back the entire plant in late winter or early spring to promote healthy, new growth. Pruning frequency should coincide with these specific growth stages to maximize the plant's flowering potential.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Beardtongue prefers well-draining soil with a slight preference for alkalinity, so a pH around 7.0 to 8.0 is best. A mix of loam, sand, and compost will ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingThe Beardtongue rarely needs repotting as it prefers not to be disturbed. Repot only if the plant has outgrown its current container, usually every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingThe Beardtongue is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity, making it suitable for typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'George Moon', often referred to as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, once sown, germinates depending on temperature and moisture conditions. The resulting seedlings establish a root system and develop rosettes of foliage, gradually maturing into full-grown plants. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it produces stems and leaves, and with adequate sunlight, moisture, and nutrients, it prepares for the flowering stage. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, Penstemon 'George Moon' produces tubular flowers that may attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, the plant will go dormant in winter, surviving with its root system to regrow in the following spring, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Penstemon 'George Moon' is through stem cuttings. This process is ideally carried out in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy stem with new growth and cut a section approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the remaining leaves are above the soil surface. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.
