Penstemon 'Margery Fish' Penstemon 'Margery Fish'

Water

Beardtongue should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water during each session. To avoid soggy conditions, let the soil dry out between waterings. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler, wetter seasons, you can reduce watering frequency. Always check the top few inches of soil for moisture before watering again. It's best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation.

Light

Beardtongue thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates where it may benefit from protection from the scorching midday sun. An ideal spot would be one that receives morning sunshine and some afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day.

Temperature

Beardtongue is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, being most comfortable between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is important to protect it from frost. During the hottest parts of the summer, Beardtongue can tolerate temperatures well into the 80s and 90s as long as it's well-watered.

Pruning

Prune Beardtongue to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading spent blooms will promote further flowering. Prune back heavily in late fall or early spring to help rejuvenate the plant for the coming season. Pruning is typically done once a year, but deadheading can be done regularly throughout the blooming season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Beardtongue prefers well-draining soil with a gritty or sandy composition, high in organic matter, and a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 to 7.0. A mix incorporating sand and compost works well to ensure good drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Beardtongues generally do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the container. Choose spring or early summer for repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue prefers average to low humidity conditions and does not require high humidity levels, making it suitable for typical outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide sun by a window & well-draining soil mix.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, well-draining soil, protect from extreme cold.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Beardtongue 'Margery Fish' begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions typically in spring. Once germinated, the seedling develops a root system and foliage in its growth phase, thriving in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. As a perennial, it enters a mature phase, producing tall stalks with tubular flowers that are attractive to pollinators, usually in late spring to early summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which then release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant dies back to the ground in the winter, undergoing a period of dormancy, with the root system surviving to sprout again the following spring. Throughout its life, Beardtongue 'Margery Fish' may also spread through clonal propagation, forming new plants from its root system.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The ideal propagation time for the Beardtongue 'Margery Fish' is during late spring to early summer. The most popular and successful method of propagation for this plant is by basal cuttings. As the new growth starts to appear at the base of the plant, healthy non-flowering shoots about 2 to 3 inches (approximately 5 to 7.5 centimeters) long are selected. These cuttings are carefully removed with a sharp knife, ensuring each has a small piece of the parent plant's base, or 'heel,' attached. The cuttings are then planted in a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. They should be placed in a warm, well-lit spot but out of direct sunlight until they root, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.