Beardtongue Penstemon 'Pensham Blackberry Ice' (Pensham Series)
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Pensham Blackberry Ice' from the Pensham Series is a striking perennial known for its alluring flowers and foliage. This plant boasts bell-shaped blooms with a deep shade reminiscent of ripe blackberries. The flowers' distinctive coloring features shades of purples and soft pinks, artfully blending to create a gradient effect that is both eye-catching and delicate. The blossoms of this Penstemon variant typically have a white throat, which provides a striking contrast to the darker outer petals. This contrast accentuates the tubular structure of each bloom, which is a characteristic feature of the Penstemon family. Clusters of these stunning flowers emerge from the plant, creating a bountiful and colorful display that can add vibrancy to any garden setting. The foliage of 'Pensham Blackberry Ice' is equally attractive, composed of lance-shaped leaves that are lush and often glossy. They are primarily green, providing an excellent backdrop that highlights the vivid colors of the flowers. The leaves grow densely along the stems, creating a full and robust appearance for the overall plant. 'Pensham Blackberry Ice' is notable for its extended blooming period, which means that these plants typically grace gardens with their beauty for a longer time compared to some other perennials. Its flowers and foliage combined contribute to an aesthetically pleasing plant that can serve both as a focal point in a garden or as part of a mixed perennial border.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Pensham Blackberry Ice'
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemon is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There are no common reports of significant poisoning from ingesting Penstemon. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities can occur. It is generally advised to avoid eating ornamental plants due to the risk of stomach upset or more severe symptoms in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Penstemon is not widely known to be toxic to pets either. It is not listed as a toxic plant to dogs and cats by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Nonetheless, it is always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants as a precaution, as gastrointestinal upset or more serious health issues could occur, especially if the pet is allergic or sensitive to the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet 6 inches (76 centimeters)
Spread
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and habitat for bees and butterflies, encouraging beneficial wildlife in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has a good tolerance to dry conditions, making it ideal for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond initial planting and occasional watering and pruning, simplifying garden upkeep.
- Long Flowering Season: Offers a prolonged display of blooms from early summer to fall, adding consistent color to the landscape.
- Cold Hardy: Adapts to cooler temperatures and survives in colder climates, down to USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.
- Decorative Seed Heads: Produces seed heads that add visual interest to the garden even after the blooming period.
- Complements Other Plants: Works well in mixed borders with a variety of other perennials, providing contrast in texture and color.
- Hummingbird Friendly: Attracts hummingbirds, which are not only beautiful to watch but also help with pollination.
- Versatile Uses: Suitable for rock gardens, borders, and containers, offering diverse options for garden design.
- Upright Habit: Grows with a neat, clumping form that fits well in formal or informal settings without sprawling outwards.
- Color Variety: Penstemon 'Pensham Blackberry Ice' offers purple and white bicolor flowers, providing a unique color scheme that stands out in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Beardtongue can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, where the flowers provide subtle shades of color to textiles.
- Pressed flower art often includes the striking flowers of beardtongue, capturing their beauty in frames, bookmarks, and cards.
- The flowers of the beardtongue can be used in potpourri for a visually appealing mixture with a mild fragrance.
- Culinary decoration is a creative use; while not widely known for edibility, the beardtongue's flowers can add an ornamental touch to salads and desserts if confirmed safe and non-toxic.
- Garden photography enthusiasts often utilize beardtongue blooms as subject matter due to their vivid colors and attractive form.
- Beardtongue plants can be used as educational tools in schools for lessons in botany and pollination, exhibiting real-life examples of plant anatomy and ecological interactions.
- Seed pods from beardtongue can be collected and used in DIY seed bombing activities, promoting the growth of native species in urban areas.
- Beardtongue flowers can be incorporated into eco-friendly confetti, decomposing naturally without harming the environment unlike plastic confetti.
- Insect hotels occasionally utilize beardtongue plants in their design to attract and support beneficial pollinators in gardens.
- Beardtongue serves as a beautiful natural decor for events like garden tea parties, where they add to the ambiance without the need for artificial ornaments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Penstemon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Penstemon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Penstemon, with its striking flowers, is often associated with beauty and the appreciation of visual appeal.
- Hardiness: As a plant that can thrive in various conditions, Penstemon symbolizes resilience and the ability to endure challenging situations.
- Diversity: With numerous varieties and colors, Penstemon represents diversity and the idea that there is strength and beauty in diversity.
WaterBeardtongue 'Blackberry Ice' should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Typically, this might mean watering with about 1-2 gallons per plant every week during hot, dry periods. Less water may be required during cooler, rainy spells, possibly decreasing to once every two weeks. Always avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease, instead aiming the water at the soil level around the base of the plant.
LightBeardtongue 'Blackberry Ice' prefers a sunny location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun encourages the best flowering and plant vigor. Avoid deeply shaded areas where the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade can work as well, especially in hotter climates where the intense afternoon sun can be too harsh for the plants.
TemperatureBeardtongue 'Blackberry Ice' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, thriving best between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, and during the active growing season, it can tolerate high temperatures up to the mid-90s. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant without adequate watering.
PruningPruning Beardtongue 'Blackberry Ice' encourages a bushier plant and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the flowering period. In late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, prune the entire plant back by about one-third to promote a fresh flush of growth. Additionally, cutting back the plant after the first wave of flowering can often stimulate a second bloom period later in the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue (Penstemon) 'Pensham Blackberry Ice' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost or peat would be ideal. They prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, around 6.5 to 8.0.
RepottingBeardtongue 'Pensham Blackberry Ice' generally doesn't require frequent repotting as it is often grown as a perennial in gardens. However, if grown in containers and the plant outgrows its pot, it should be repotted in the spring every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue prefers average to low humidity conditions outdoors and can tolerate drier air quite well. They don't require any special humidity considerations when planted in the ground.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Pensham Blackberry Ice' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in a well-draining soil mix during late winter or spring, germinates to form a seedling. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, developing a robust root system, foliage, and stems. As it matures during late spring to early summer, it enters the flowering stage, where it produces hallmark tubular flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After blooming, if the flowers are pollinated, the plant may produce small capsules containing seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. During the fall and winter months, the Penstemon may enter a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it conserves energy for the next growing season. With proper care, dividing, and deadheading, the plant can have a lifespan of several years, returning each spring to repeat its growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Penstemon 'Pensham Blackberry Ice', commonly known as Beardtongue, is most effectively propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to propagate Beardtongue by cuttings is in late spring to early summer. To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) length, making the cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and maintain a humid environment by covering with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide bright, indirect light. Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually planted out.
