Beardtongue Penstemon 'Hot Pink Riding Hood' (PBR) (Riding Hood Series)
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Hot Pink Riding Hood' is a vibrant and attractive flowering perennial. The hallmark of this plant is its striking hot pink blooms that stand out with their tubular shape, akin to little trumpets. These vivid flowers are clustered along tall, upright stems that confidently hold them above the foliage. The plant's leaves present a lush green backdrop, typically narrow, lance-shaped with a somewhat glossy appearance, setting the stage for the bright bloom display above. The foliage forms a neat, low mound that serves as a tidy base for the inflorescences. As the name 'Hot Pink Riding Hood' suggests, the flowers boast an intense pink hue that can enliven any garden space. The plant offers not just visual appeal, but also attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, which find the flowers irresistible. Overall, Penstemon 'Hot Pink Riding Hood' adds a splash of robust color and vertical interest to the garden, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to inject a bold statement into their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beard Tongue, Beardtongue, Hot Pink Riding Hood Penstemon
Common names
Penstemon 'Hot Pink Riding Hood' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, is not generally considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects from ingesting this plant, and it is not known to cause any serious symptoms of poisoning.
To pets
The Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, is also not considered toxic to pets. It should be safe for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, with no known toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning from ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Hot pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The plant is effective at attracting bees and butterflies, which can help with the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Low maintenance: Penstemon 'Hot Pink Riding Hood' doesn't require much care once established, making it suitable for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Drought resistant: Once it is established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in dry climates.
- Colorful blooms: With its vibrant hot pink flowers, it adds a splash of color to gardens and can be used for ornamental purposes.
- Long blooming period: It has a long flowering period from late spring to early fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Easy to propagate: This Penstemon can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants without the need for buying new ones.
- Cold hardy: It is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates.
- Adaptable: Penstemon 'Hot Pink Riding Hood' can thrive in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Compact growth: Its relatively compact size makes it suitable for borders, pots, and small gardens.
- Deer resistant: The plant is less palatable to deer, reducing the risk of damage in gardens where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect Habitat: Penstemon provides nectar for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, helping to sustain the local ecosystem.
- Photography Subject: With its striking hot pink flowers, the plant is a popular subject for photographers and artists looking to capture natural beauty.
- Educational Tool: Schools and educational programs can use the plant to teach students about plant reproduction and pollination.
- Garden Design: Landscape designers may utilize Penstemon in rock gardens or as a border plant due to its vibrant color and height.
- Fabric Dye: The flowers could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, though this is not a common practice.
- Culinary Garnish: While not a common use, the flowers could be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts after verifying their safety for consumption.
- Flower Festivals: This plant can be showcased in garden and flower festivals, celebrating its unique color and contribution to biodiversity.
- Art Projects: The plant's form and color can be used by artists and schools for botanical drawing exercises or to inspire art projects.
- Wildlife Photography: The flowers attract a diverse set of insects, making them an ideal subject for wildlife photographers interested in capturing pollinators in action.
- Climate Change Research: Penstemon could be used in studies to observe the impact of climate change on flowering times and pollinator-plant interactions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Penstemon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Penstemon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Boldness: The vibrant hot pink color of Penstemon signifies a sense of daring and boldness, reflecting a willingness to stand out and be noticed.
- Grace: Penstemon plants are known for their elegant flowers, symbolizing grace and beauty in the garden.
- Health: Traditionally, some Penstemon species have been used in herbal remedies, which makes them associated with health and vitality.
- Persistence: As hardy plants that often survive tough conditions, Penstemons symbolize persistence and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
- Balance: The balanced and symmetrical shape of the Penstemon flowers can represent harmony and equilibrium in life.
WaterFor a Beardtongue plant, which is a common name for Penstemon, you should generally water it once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. This ensures the soil stays moist but well-drained. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water twice a week. However, avoid overwatering as Beardtongue is drought-tolerant and does not like to sit in wet soil. You can check the soil moisture by feeling the top inch of soil; only water if it feels dry to the touch to prevent root rot.
LightThe Beardtongue plant thrives in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant is in a south-facing or west-facing garden that gets plenty of sunshine. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but flowering is best in full sun conditions.
TemperatureBeardtongue plants are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they prefer a climate with temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for ideal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F. To ensure the best health and flowering, protect the plant from extreme heat by providing afternoon shade if necessary.
PruningBeardtongue plants benefit from pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Cut back the flower stalks after the initial flowering period is over, usually by midsummer. Additionally, prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems. Pruning not only keeps the Beardtongue looking tidy but also promotes healthier growth and better air circulation around the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. The best soil mix combines equal parts of loam, sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility. It's essential that the soil does not retain water excessively to prevent root rot.
RepottingBeardtongue doesn't require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every 2-3 years is usually sufficient unless the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil has become compacted.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue plants typically prefer a moderate humidity level but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels found in most natural outdoor environments. They do not have specific humidity requirements and are quite hardy with respect to air moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Hot Pink Riding Hood', commonly known as Beardtongue, starts its life cycle from seed germination, ideally in late winter to early spring under suitable conditions of light and temperature. Once the seedlings emerge and are stable, they are transplanted into the garden, where they develop a robust root system in well-drained soil. Through the late spring and into summer, Beardtongue experiences a period of vigorous vegetative growth, producing sturdy stems and lance-shaped leaves. The most distinctive stage is the blooming period in summer when the plant produces clusters of hot pink, tubular flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, the plant sets seed in small capsules, which can be allowed to disperse for self-propagation or can be collected for controlled propagation. The plant is a perennial, so after the blooming season, it will go dormant in the fall, with its foliage dying back in colder climates, and then it will reemerge from its rootstock the following spring to repeat its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Penstemon 'Hot Pink Riding Hood', also commonly known as Beardtongue, can be propagated most popularly through stem cuttings. This method is usually done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy stem and cut a 3 to 6-inch (7.5 to 15 centimeters) section just below a leaf node. It's beneficial to remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to ensure that no leaves are submerged when placed in the rooting medium. The cut end of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone before it is planted in a moist potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight until roots develop, which is usually in several weeks, after which it can be transplanted into the garden.
