Beardtongue Penstemon 'Newbury Gem'

Water

To properly water a Beardtongue (the common name for Penstemon 'Newbury Gem'), it is essential to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in spring and summer, water deeply once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant, allowing the water to penetrate the root zone. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels, as the plant requires less hydration during its dormant period. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering, and adjust your schedule according to temperature and weather conditions to avoid overwatering.

Light

Beardtongue thrives in full sunlight to part shade. It is best to place it in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade, as this can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.

Temperature

Beardtongue plants are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they thrive in conditions between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure good growth and flowering, avoid exposure to extreme heat or prolonged temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Beardtongue encourages vigorous growth and blooming. Prune in early spring by removing dead or damaged stems and any weak, spindly growth. After the first flush of bloom typically in mid-summer, trim back the flower spikes by up to one-third to promote a second bloom period. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season will also encourage more blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue 'Newbury Gem' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix composed of equal parts garden soil, sand, and compost would create an ideal growing medium for this perennial. Ensuring good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, particularly in winter months when soil moisture can be higher.

Repotting

Beardtongue 'Newbury Gem' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can often be left for several years before needing to be moved to a larger pot. Repotting every 3 to 4 years is sufficient unless the plant shows signs of being root-bound or the soil structure has deteriorated.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue 'Newbury Gem' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and generally does well in the average atmospheric moisture found in most garden environments. It does not require any special humidity conditions and is quite forgiving in both drier and more humid climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Beardtongue in bright light, avoid overwatering, ensure good air flow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, well-draining soil, protect from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Penstemon 'Newbury Gem', also known as Beardtongue, starts with seed germination, progressing once they are exposed to the appropriate temperature and moisture conditions. Once germinated, the seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic lance-shaped foliage, and in due course, they form a robust root system. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative stage, where they grow actively and produce more leaves. Following the vegetative phase, Beardtongues enter the flowering stage during late spring to summer, showcasing tubular flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing numerous small seeds, which eventually disperse to start a new generation. Finally, the plants reach the end of their lifecycle, which may be after several years for this perennial species, dying back in winter only to regrow from their root system when the conditions become favorable again in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Penstemon 'Newbury Gem', also known as beardtongue, is most commonly propagated by seed or by softwood cuttings. For seed propagation, sowing can be done in spring after the last frost when soils have warmed up. However, the most popular method is taking softwood cuttings in late spring to early summer. To do this, select healthy non-flowering stems and make a cut to obtain a piece about 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters) in length. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then plant the cutting in a moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring the leafless part is buried. Place the potted cutting in a warm area with indirect light and maintain consistent moisture until roots establish, after which it can be transplanted outdoors.