Penstemon 'Pensham Czar' (Pensham Series)
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Pensham Czar', commonly known as Beardtongue, is a perennial flowering plant with a striking and ornamental appearance. It features a dense clump of lush, glossy green foliage that creates a bushy backdrop for its standout floral display. The leaves are lance-shaped, with smooth edges, and are arranged oppositely on the stems, creating a neat and tidy structure. The Beardtongue blooms are the most eye-catching attribute, presenting in a rich, deep purple hue with a white throat. These tubular flowers are large and bell-shaped, with a slightly flared mouth that gives them a distinctly attractive form. The flowers are arranged in showy, dense clusters on tall, slender stalks that rise above the foliage, giving the plant a look of elegance and grace. The contrast between the deep purple petals and the white throat of each flower creates a vivid and enticing display that can easily become a focal point in a garden setting. These blooms are not only beautiful to look at but also serve as a magnet for pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, adding to the charm and ecological benefits of this cultivar. Overall, Penstemon 'Pensham Czar' is admired for its beautiful, long-lasting flowers and the luxurious texture of its foliage, which together create a lush and colorful addition to any garden. The plant's robust nature and hardiness make it a reliable choice for gardeners, and its decorative quality ensures it remains a popular choice for ornamental planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Pensham Beardtongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Pensham Czar'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, is not typically considered poisonous to humans. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity that result from ingesting parts of this plant. As with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities can occur, so it is always wise to be cautious when handling or ingesting plants that one is not familiar with.
To pets
Beardtongue is not known to be toxic to pets either. This means that it is generally considered safe around cats, dogs, and other domestic animals. However, ingesting any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets, so it is advisable to prevent pets from consuming large quantities of any non-food plant, including Beardtongue.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Pensham Czar' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it an ideal choice for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond the basic needs, thus it's suitable for gardeners who prefer plants that do not require constant attention.
- Long Bloom Season: Offers a long flowering period from late spring to early fall, providing a prolonged display of color.
- Decorative: Its striking tubular flowers, which range from purple to violet, add aesthetic appeal to any garden setting.
- Cold Hardy: Can tolerate cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a range of climates.
- Deer Resistant: Less appealing to deer, which can help protect your garden from grazing damage.
- Adaptable: This species can grow in a variety of soil types, from well-drained to slightly alkaline.
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 dye source: The flowers of the Beardtongue can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, providing a range of colors dependent on the mordant used.
- Ink production: Similarly, the pigments from the flowers could be utilized for crafting homemade inks for writing or drawing.
- Culinary decoration: The edible flowers can be used as a garnish for salads and desserts to add color and a subtle floral flavor.
- Art and Craft: The flowers and foliage can be pressed and used in botanical prints or in paper making for artistic projects, offering texture and visual interest.
- Educational tool: This plant could serve as a specimen in botany classes for teaching plant morphology and pollination strategies.
- Photography subject: Due to their striking colors, Beardtongue flowers are excellent subjects for macro and garden photography, helping hobbyists and professionals alike capture the beauty of nature.
- Theme gardens: Can be used as a part of pollinator-friendly garden themes or fairy gardens, appealing to those looking for garden design inspiration.
- Erosion control: The root system of Beardtongue could help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks in landscaped areas.
- Perfumery: Although not a traditional use, the flowers could potentially be used to extract essential oils or to create floral waters and fragrances.
- Companion planting: The plant may be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests, thus acting as a natural pest control strategy.
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- Strength and Resilience: Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, often symbolizes strength and resilience due to its hardy nature and ability to withstand challenging conditions.
- Sturdiness: The robust growth habit of Beardtongue represents sturdiness and reliability, reflecting the plant's endurance in the face of adversity.
- Boldness: The bright and striking flowers of the Penstemon 'Pensham Czar' signify boldness and a daring spirit, illustrating the plant's vivid presence in a garden.
- Longevity: Beardtongue plants are perennials, living for several years, which symbolizes longevity and the idea of lasting presence or impact in one's life.
- Diversity: The wide range of colors and varieties in the Penstemon genus represents diversity and adaptability, showing how different species thrive across various environments.
WaterBeardtongue plants, such as Penstemon 'Pensham Czar', prefer consistent moisture, but they do not like to be waterlogged. They should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. It's best to water in the morning to allow any excess moisture on the leaves to evaporate during the day. During periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water twice a week. Over the course of a month, this equates to approximately 4 gallons per plant.
LightBeardtongue thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant would be in a location where it can enjoy the morning sun and be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureBeardtongue plants are quite hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F and are comfortable up to around 85°F. The ideal temperature range for Beardtongue is between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth and flowering.
PruningBeardtongue should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading spent blooms can promote a second flowering. In late fall or early spring, prune back the foliage to about an inch above the ground to maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy new growth. Pruning is typically done once a year, but deadheading can be done as needed throughout the blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.8 and 7.0. A mix of loam and gravel enhances drainage, crucial for preventing root rot. An annual addition of compost will ensure the soil remains fertile for the 'Pensham Czar'.
RepottingGenerally, the 'Pensham Czar' Beardtongue doesn’t require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same container for several years. Repot every 3-4 years or if you notice the plant outgrowing its current pot.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue prefers moderate humidity and can tolerate some dry air. Aim for a humidity level around 40-50%, which reflects typical outdoor conditions where it grows best.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil; water moderately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Penstemon 'Pensham Czar' begins with seed germination, usually in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. Upon germination, seedlings develop roots and foliage in a vegetative stage, with true leaves emerging to photosynthesize and fuel further growth. The plant enters a period of rapid growth where it forms a bushy structure of stems and leaves, and prepares for the flowering stage. Flowering typically occurs from late spring through summer, with tubular flowers attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, which mature and are eventually dispersed by wind or wildlife. The plant may enter a period of dormancy in winter, especially in colder climates, but it is a perennial species and will regrow from the rootstock in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Penstemon 'Pensham Czar', commonly known as Beardtongue, is typically propagated by seed or cuttings; however, the most popular method is by taking stem cuttings. This usually takes place in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy section of stem that has not flowered. Cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length just below a leaf node, and remove the lower leaves to create a bare stem. It's then beneficial to dip the end of the cutting into a rooting hormone before placing it in a well-draining soil mix. Maintaining consistent moisture and warmth with the partial sun will encourage rooting, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and then transplanted to their final location in the garden.
