Beardtongue Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne' (Pensham Series)
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne' is a perennial known for its striking flowers and foliage that add a burst of color to gardens. The plant produces an abundance of bell-shaped flowers that are a vibrant, eye-catching pink with a white throat. Each individual flower comprises a tubular corolla that flares open at the mouth into five distinct lobes. The flowers are arranged on tall spikes that rise above the plant's foliage, creating a vertical interest. The foliage of 'Pensham Just Jayne' consists of glossy, lance-shaped leaves that are rich green in color. These leaves form a lush backdrop for the bright flowers, providing a contrast that highlights the bloom's beauty. The leaves are somewhat leathery in texture and grow densely on the stems, creating a full and bushy appearance to the plant. While the foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, it is the stunning flowers that make this Penstemon a garden favorite for adding a pop of color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beard Tongue, Penstemon
Common names
Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne'
ToxicityTo humans
Beardtongue, commonly known as Penstemon, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne' poses any significant risk if ingested. Consequently, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant. However, it is generally advisable not to consume any plant parts unless they are known to be safe and intended for human consumption.
To pets
Beardtongue is the common name for Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne'. This plant is not considered toxic to domestic pets such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of the plant should not cause poisoning or produce harmful symptoms. Always exercise caution, as individual animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions to plant materials that are not commonly toxic. If such a response is observed after exposure to the plant, consulting a veterinarian is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet 6 inches (76 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which is crucial for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: This variety, like many in the Penstemon genus, is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and saving resources.
- Low Maintenance: The plant is relatively easy to care for, with minimal pruning and deadheading required to keep it looking its best.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant blooms of 'Pensham Just Jayne' add a splash of color to gardens, providing aesthetic value from late spring to fall.
- Adaptability: Penstemons are adaptable to a variety of soil types, although they prefer well-drained ground, making them suitable for many garden settings.
- Long Blooming Season: With a lengthy flowering period, this plant ensures a colorful display for an extended time, enhancing the garden's interest.
- Hardy Nature: Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne' is hardy and capable of withstanding colder temperatures, contributing to its longevity and perennial nature in various climates.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in various landscapes, including borders, flower beds, and rock gardens, due to its versatile growing habits.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: The Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne' contributes to a quintessential English cottage garden look with its elegant spires of bell-shaped flowers.
- Source of Nectar: The flowers produce nectar, which is a valuable food source for many pollinator species throughout the growing season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography with 'Beardtongue' as a subject; its attractive flowers can make for stunning macro or close-up photography projects.
- Art projects; 'Beardtongue' blossoms can be pressed and preserved to use in botanical art such as herbarium sheets or mixed media collage.
- Edible flower arrangements; though not commonly consumed, 'Beardtongue' flowers can be used as a garnish for salads or desserts (always ensure the flowers are free from pesticides and are correctly identified).
- Decorative ice cubes; freeze 'Beardtongue' flowers into ice cubes to create an elegant touch to drinks at garden parties.
- Bookmark creation; dried 'Beardtongue' flowers can be laminated or pressed within heavy books to create botanical bookmarks.
- Educational tools; 'Beardtongue' can be used to teach botany and about the importance of pollinators in the garden.
- Natural fabric dyes; the flowers of 'Beardtongue' may be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics or yarns in craft projects.
- Floral crafts; 'Beardtongue' stems and flowers can be used for making wreaths or other dried floral arrangements.
- Sensory gardens; 'Beardtongue' can be included in sensory garden designs for its textured foliage and attractive blooms.
- Garden Themed Events; 'Beardtongue' can serve as a living decor for themed events or parties held in garden spaces, enhancing the natural aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attraction: Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, often symbolizes attraction due to its vivid and attractive flowers, which can allure both humans and pollinators alike.
- Boldness: With its showy blossoms, Beardtongue can represent boldness and a willingness to stand out in the environment where subtlety is more common.
- Diversity: Beardtongue varieties exhibit a wide range of colors and shapes, which can symbolize the beauty of diversity and variation.
- Health and vitality: The plant's hardiness and ability to thrive in different conditions can symbolize physical health, resilience, and vitality.
- Open communication: The open shape of the flowers may be seen as an emblem of open communication and the sharing of thoughts and feelings.
WaterBeacon Bells should be watered deeply yet infrequently to encourage a strong root system. During the growing season, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly every 7 to 10 days, with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant, ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged. Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in soggy soil can lead to root rot.
LightBeacon Bells Penstemon prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving best with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one where the plant receives morning sunlight and some partial afternoon shade in areas with very hot summer climates to prevent scorching.
TemperatureBeacon Bells Penstemon can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in areas where the average temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, Penstemons should be protected from extreme cold and hot temperatures.
PruningPrune Beacon Bells Penstemon to promote bushier growth and to remove any spent flower spikes, which encourages further blooming. The best time for pruning is in early spring, just as new growth appears. Cut the plant back by approximately one-third to one-half to maintain shape and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Beardtongue thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of loam and sand, enriched with organic matter like compost or peat moss. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for this plant. Ensuring good drainage is key to preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth.
RepottingBeardtongue generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can often thrive in the same pot for several years. Repotting every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its current container, is sufficient to maintain its health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue prefers moderate humidity and can tolerate the typical range found in many outdoor environments. There's no need for high humidity; in fact, too much could be detrimental, leading to issues like fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good air circulation, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and mulch around roots.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne' begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring when soil temperatures warm up. Seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, establishing a root system and producing a rosette of foliage. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative growth stage, producing stems and leaves throughout the growing season. When conditions are right, usually in late spring to early summer, the plant begins the flowering stage, producing tall spikes adorned with tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, and by late summer or early fall, these capsules dry and release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne' is a perennial plant, so after the first year, it will return each growing season, going through vegetative growth and flowering stages annually, while gradually expanding its clump size through new shoot growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Penstemon 'Pensham Just Jayne' involves taking softwood cuttings. To accomplish this, select healthy new growth in late spring or early summer and snip off a 3 to 5 inch (7.5 to 12.7 cm) section just below a leaf node. Strip away the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent excess moisture loss. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development, then plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting soil. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and to provide the cutting with bright, indirect light. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be transplanted outside once it's strong enough and the risk of frost has passed.
