Penstemon 'Pensham Charlotte Louise' Penstemon 'Pensham Charlotte Louise' (Pensham Series)

Water

For the Beardtongue Penstemon, watering should be done deeply, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. On average, water about one inch per week, adjusting for rainfall, heat, and soil type. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to maintain consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant. It's important to water directly at the soil level to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.

Light

The Beardtongue Penstemon thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. If planted in too much shade, the plant might produce fewer flowers and become leggy. Avoid overly shaded areas to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth.

Temperature

Beardtongue Penstemon prefers temperate conditions and can endure temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform optimally at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they can survive occasional dips below freezing, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 0 degrees may harm the plant.

Pruning

Prune the Beardtongue Penstemon to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Prune in early spring by cutting back the plant by up to one-third of its height. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. In late fall, after flowering has finished and foliage has died back, cut the plant down to ground level to prepare for winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue, commonly known as Penstemon 'Pensham Charlotte Louise', thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. A loamy or sandy soil composition is ideal. The best pH range for this plant is neutral to slightly alkaline, between 6.0 and 8.0.

Repotting

Beardtongue typically does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. It's best to repot in the spring.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue prefers moderate humidity conditions but is quite adaptable. It does not require any special humidity adjustments and can thrive in average ambient humidity levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  For indoor growth, ensure Beardtongue gets bright light and has proper drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant Beardtongue outdoors in sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Penstemon 'Pensham Charlotte Louise', also known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle from seed, which germinates in warm soil conditions typically during the spring. Following germination, the seedling emerges, growing into a young plant with characteristic lance-shaped leaves. As the Beardtongue matures, it develops a sturdy stem and begins to produce distinctive tubular flowers, most often in shades of pink or purple, throughout the summer months. These flowers attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, which are essential for the cross-pollination necessary for seed production. Once pollinated, the flowers will set seed, which can be collected and dispersed for the next generation or left to self-sow. The plant is perennial, so after flowering, it enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, storing energy in its roots to regrow and begin the cycle anew when conditions become favorable in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Penstemon 'Pensham Charlotte Louise', commonly known as Beardtongue, is often propagated by division or by stem cuttings. The most popular method is propagation by stem cuttings, typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To do this, gardeners cut a 3- to 4-inch piece of new growth, making sure the cutting includes a node where a leaf joins the stem. This piece is then stripped of its lower leaves, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before it is placed into a mix of half peat and half perlite. The cutting should then be kept moist but not waterlogged, and maintained in a bright, indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be potted up into a larger container and gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before transplanting it into the garden.