Penstemon 'Pensham Loganberry Ice' (Pensham Series)
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Pensham Loganberry Ice' is a striking perennial plant that is part of the Pensham Series. It is well-known for its beautiful flowers and lush foliage. The plant has a bushy habit with strong stems that support the growth of its charming blossoms. The flowers of 'Pensham Loganberry Ice' are particularly notable for their tubular shape and vivid coloration. They have a gradient of hues that often blends from a creamy white at the throat to a rich purple or berry color at the lobes, which gives them a two-toned appearance reminiscent of a frosty loganberry. The buds are gracefully arranged along the stem, opening to reveal these delicate bi-colored blooms. Foliage on this Penstemon is equally attractive, with deep green leaves that have a glossy sheen and a slightly lanceolate or narrow shape. They form a lush backdrop for the striking flowers, creating a full and textured appearance which adds to the plant's ornamental value. The contrast between the greenery and the blooms makes 'Pensham Loganberry Ice' a standout in any garden setting. Overall, 'Pensham Loganberry Ice' is a delightful plant that can add a burst of color and elegance with its showy flowers and vibrant green leaves. It is often appreciated for its easy-going nature and the long-lasting display it provides during its blooming period.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Pensham Loganberry Ice'
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or symptoms of poisoning from ingesting parts of the Penstemon plant. While it should never be consumed as food, accidental ingestion is unlikely to result in any serious consequences.
To pets
The Penstemon, commonly referred to as Beardtongue, is not considered toxic to pets. It is not associated with any specific symptoms of poisoning if pets were to ingest parts of it. Generally, it is not expected to pose a serious risk if pets come into contact with or consume the plant. However, it's always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants as individual animals might have unique sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Penstemon 'Loganberry Ice' are popular with bees and hummingbirds, which helps to pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it has low water requirements and can thrive in drier conditions, making it a good choice for water-wise landscapes.
- Long blooming period: It produces flowers prolifically from early summer to fall, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended period.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its striking flowers and solid form, it adds beauty and structure to mixed borders or flower beds.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, other than occasional deadheading to promote more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- Cold-hardy: It is capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it suitable for many temperate climates.
- Versatile use: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including rock gardens, borders, and wildflower gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Flowers: The blossoms of Penstemon 'Pensham Loganberry Ice' can be used as edible decorations on cakes and pastries, providing a splash of color and a subtle flavor note to desserts.
- Insect Attractant: The vibrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice to enhance the biodiversity of gardens.
- Photography Subject: The striking flowers make this Penstemon a popular choice among photographers for its contrasting colors and detailed textures.
- Cut Flower Arrangements: With their long stems and attractive blooms, they make excellent candidates for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Dye Source: The flowers and leaves can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics, imparting subtle hues to textiles.
- Garden Border Accents: They are often used to create colorful garden borders that provide visual interest from spring until fall.
- Teacher's Resource: The plant’s growth pattern and flower development can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology and pollination.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Penstemon as a subject for botanical drawings, watercolor paintings, or inspiration for design work because of its aesthetic appeal.
- Companion Planting: When planted alongside vegetables, they can help attract beneficial insects that aid in pest control.
- Culinary Garnish: Flowers from Penstemon can be used as a decorative and slightly sweet garnish for salads and cold dishes.
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 and Elegance: Known for its beautiful tubular flowers, Penstemon often symbolizes physical beauty and grace. 'Pensham Loganberry Ice', with its striking appearance, could highlight these attributes even further.
- Versatility: Since Penstemon can thrive in a variety of climates and conditions, it is sometimes associated with adaptability and resilience, suggesting a person's ability to thrive in different life circumstances.
- Health and Vitality: Many gardeners plant Penstemon to attract pollinators, as they're rich in nectar. This connection to a healthy ecosystem often translates into a symbol of good health and vitality for humans as well.
- Daring and Boldness: The vivid colors of the 'Pensham Loganberry Ice', like other members of the Penstemon family, may be seen as a representation of bravery and a willingness to stand out in a crowd.
- Balance: Penstemon plants are well-regarded for their ability to bring balance to gardens by attracting beneficial insects and supporting biodiversity. Symbolically, this could translate to balance in one's life or endeavors.
WaterBeardtongue, the common name for Penstemon 'Pensham Loganberry Ice', should be watered deeply yet infrequently to encourage a strong root system, generally once a week. During the growing season in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Aim to provide about one to one and a half gallons of water to each plant, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Reduce the frequency of watering in the fall, and during winter, provide minimal watering since the plant is dormant. Always check the soil moisture before watering—if the top inch is dry, it is time to water.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sun where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that gets morning sun and light shade in the afternoon, especially in regions with very hot summers. However, the plant is adaptable and can also handle partial shade, although flowering may be less prolific in lesser light conditions.
TemperatureBeardtongue prefers moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F in winter and as high as 90°F in summer. Ideally, the plant enjoys daytime temperatures around 65°F to 75°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9, which should guide gardeners on its temperature tolerance.
PruningBeardtongue should be pruned to remove spent flower stems and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading after the initial flowering can stimulate another flush of blooms. In late fall or early spring, trim back any dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health and shape. The best time for significant pruning is in early spring as new growth begins to appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7. A mix of loam, compost, and sand or perlite to aid drainage is ideal.
RepottingBeardtongue does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue thrives in average to low humidity levels typical of temperate climates and does not require high humidity to flourish.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil slightly moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, in well-draining, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Pensham Loganberry Ice' begins its life cycle as a seed that requires well-draining soil and exposure to light for germination. After germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the development of foliage and a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant continues to grow leaves and stems and becomes established in the garden. The flowering stage follows, with 'Pensham Loganberry Ice' producing its distinctive tubular lavender and white flowers, which are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds if conditions are right, allowing the cycle to begin anew. Finally, as a perennial, the plant enters a period of dormancy in the winter, only to rejuvenate and regrow from its root system with the return of warmer temperatures in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Penstemon 'Pensham Loganberry Ice' is through stem cuttings, primarily because it is straightforward and generally successful. To propagate from cuttings, the ideal time is late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making sure it has several nodes. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a good quality potting soil, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried where roots can form. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Roots typically form within a few weeks, at which point the new Penstemon can eventually be transplanted into the garden.
