Penstemon 'Music Maker' Penstemon 'Music Maker' (Elgar Series)

Water

Beardtongue, including the Penstemon 'Music Maker', should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, supplement with an additional half gallon per plant if the weather is particularly dry or hot. In cooler months or when rainfall is sufficient, reduce watering to every other week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be cautious not to overwater, as beardtongue is prone to root rot in soggy soil conditions.

Light

Beardtongue thrives best in full sun where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that provides morning light with some afternoon shade can also be suitable, but too much shade will result in fewer blooms and a leggy growth habit. Avoid deeply shaded areas to ensure the plant remains healthy and vibrant.

Temperature

Beardtongue is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it prefers a range between 60 to 80 degrees for optimal growth. During extreme heat, make sure the plant has adequate moisture, and in areas with cold winters, provide mulch to protect the roots.

Pruning

Pruning beardtongue is beneficial to promote bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering. In late winter or early spring, cut back the plant to a few inches above the ground to allow for fresh growth and maintain a tidy appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.8 and 7.0. The best soil mix for Beardtongue would be a combination of loam, coarse sand, and compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Adding perlite can further improve drainage, which is crucial to avoid root rot in these plants. Regular garden soil should be amended with these components to achieve the optimal growing medium for Penstemon 'Music Maker'.

Repotting

Beardtongue does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It is generally best to repot these plants every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound. During repotting, choose a container only one size larger than the previous one to prevent excessive moist soil, which can lead to root issues.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of a wide range. It does not require high humidity to thrive and can acclimate to the average ambient humidity found in most outdoor garden settings. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent any humidity-related issues.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure abundant light and well-draining soil for indoor Beardtongue.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with well-drained soil; water when dry.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Penstemon 'Music Maker' begins its life as a seed that, when sown in early spring, germinates to produce small, delicate seedlings. As temperatures warm, the seedlings develop into young plants exhibiting a rosette of leaves at the base. Throughout the growing season, the plant matures and sends up flowering stalks adorned with bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers fade, and seed capsules form which eventually dry and release seeds for the next generation. During the winter, the plant may die back, particularly in colder climates, but if it is a perennial variety, it may instead enter dormancy with its roots surviving underground. Come spring, the cycle begins anew, with the plant emerging once again to grow, flower, and set seed.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Penstemon 'Music Maker', which is part of the Elgar Series, is through stem cuttings. This technique is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. You would start by selecting a healthy stem with new growth and cut a portion of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. It is important to make the cut just below a leaf node, as this is where roots are most likely to form. The lower leaves should be removed from the cutting, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a pot with moist potting soil, and it is crucial to maintain a humid environment by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagation chamber. In a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can eventually be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.