Beardtongue Penstemon 'Pensham Amelia Jane' (Pensham Series)
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Pensham Amelia Jane' is a perennial plant that's part of the Pensham Series known for its striking flowers and upright habit. It has a robust clump of dark green foliage, which forms a lush backdrop for its blossoms. The leaves are lance-shaped and can have a somewhat glossy texture, which enhances the plant's overall vigorous appearance. The most captivating feature of this Penstemon is its flowers. These are tubular and present a stunning, two-tone effect. The blossoms boast a deep pink to purple hue, contrasted with a white throat that adds to their charm and provides a dramatic flare. They are displayed on tall flowering spikes that rise elegantly above the foliage. These bright and showy flowers not only add a splash of color to garden beds and borders but are also known to attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, adding to the lively ambiance of any garden space. The 'Pensham Amelia Jane' carries its blooms throughout the warmer months, offering a long-lasting display of vibrant color and beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beard Tongue, Beardtongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Pensham Amelia Jane'
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon, including 'Pensham Amelia Jane', is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common symptoms of poisoning listed for humans because the plant is generally considered non-toxic and safe around humans. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially occur, so it's always wise to handle plants with care and avoid ingestion unless deemed edible by a reliable source.
To pets
The Penstemon, including 'Pensham Amelia Jane', is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It is generally considered a safe plant to have in a garden where pets may have access. No specific symptoms of poisoning from this plant are expected in pets, as there is no reported toxicity for domestic animals with this type of Penstemon. However, all animals can have individual sensitivities, and ingestion of plant material can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset regardless of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Pensham Amelia Jane' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which help in the pollination of gardens and the environment.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners with limited time.
- Drought Tolerance: This variety of penstemon is relatively drought tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming: The plant has a long flowering period, providing colorful blooms from midsummer into fall.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as a bedding plant.
- Deer Resistant: Its foliage is generally not favored by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Winter Hardiness: It is capable of withstanding colder temperatures and can survive through winters in many temperate regions.
- Visual Appeal: Adds a burst of color with its tubular flowers, enhancing the aesthetic of any garden or landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of Penstemon can be used to create a natural dye for fabric or paper, producing subtle shades of color.
- Ink production: The pigments from the flowers could be experimented with for making artisanal inks for calligraphy or art.
- Educational tool: Penstemon plants can be used in educational settings to teach botany and plant lifecycle to students.
- Photography subject: Due to its vibrant flowers, it can be an excellent subject for nature photographers and for teaching photography techniques.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use Penstemon as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other types of art.
- Perfume base: While not traditionally used for this purpose, the scent of Penstemon flowers could inspire new perfume scents.
- Garden design: Penstemon can be used in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces the need for irrigation.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of the Penstemon can serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations.
- Potpourri ingredient: The dried flowers can be added to potpourri mixes for a natural and subtle fragrance.
- Craft decoration: Penstemon flowers can be used in crafts, such as pressed flower projects or as embellishments on wreaths and frames.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beard Tongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beard Tongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attraction: Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, often symbolizes attraction due to its bright and appealing flowers which attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Diversity: With its range of colors and forms, Beardtongue reflects the concept of diversity and variety in life.
- Health: Beardtongue plants have historically been used in herbal remedies, which makes them represent health and healing.
- Communication: The common name 'Beardtongue' derives from the hairy staminode that sticks out of the flower, resembling a tongue, which can symbolize communication and openness.
- Endurance: Beardtongue is known for its hardiness and its ability to thrive in tough conditions, thus it represents endurance and the ability to cope in adverse circumstances.
- Balance: The bilateral symmetry of Beardtongue flowers can represent balance and harmony in life.
WaterBeardtongue, the common name for Penstemon 'Pensham Amelia Jane', prefers evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing water to penetrate several inches into the soil to encourage deep root growth. In hotter, drier periods, increase the frequency to twice a week, providing about 1 gallon of water each time for a medium-sized plant. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the soil before watering; it should be dry an inch below the surface before adding more water.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sunlight where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. This plant adapts well to various light conditions but blooms best when exposed to ample sunlight. It is important to place it in a spot in the garden that is not shaded by larger plants or structures for ideal growth and flowering.
TemperatureBeardtongue plants are hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit but prefer a range between 60 to 70 degrees for optimal growth. These plants can handle temperatures up to around 85 degrees but may require extra watering in such conditions. They perform best when nighttime temperatures are cooler than daytime temperatures.
PruningPrune Beardtongue in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Trimming spent flower spikes can promote a second bloom. Pruning is also necessary to maintain the plant's size and prevent it from becoming too leggy or overgrown. It's best done annually or as needed to keep the plant healthy and attractive.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loamy soil with added organic matter and sharp sand for drainage provides optimal conditions for healthy growth.
RepottingBeardtongue plants like Penstemon 'Pensham Amelia Jane' do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue plants are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity to thrive, making them suitable for typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Amelia Jane' begins its life cycle as a seed which, when sown, germinates in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny location. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic glossy leaves and begins to establish a root system. As it matures, typically within the second year, it enters the vegetative stage, producing dense foliage and preparing for the flowering phase. The reproductive stage begins in early summer when it produces tubular flowers on tall spikes, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, which when mature, are dispersed to start a new generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during winter, particularly in colder climates, and with the return of warmer weather, it will resume growth and repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Penstemon 'Pensham Amelia Jane' is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring through early summer when the plant's new growth is firm enough to handle but still retains flexibility. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting measuring about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) from the tip of a healthy stem, making sure that there are several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moist, well-draining soil mix, and positioned in a place with indirect light and consistent warmth. It's important to maintain the humidity around the cutting until roots have developed sufficiently, which typically occurs in a few weeks.
