Beardtongue Penstemon 'Pensham Louise Wilson' (Pensham Series)
ABOUT
The Penstemon 'Pensham Louise Wilson' is a stunning perennial plant that carries an exquisite display of flowers and foliage. Boasting a bushy and upright form, its most striking feature is the bell-shaped flowers that express a vibrant color palette. These blooms are typically a deep purplish-pink with a contrasting white throat, which adds a dramatic flair to the plant's appearance. The flowers are arranged densely along tall, sturdy stems that rise elegantly above the foliage. The foliage itself is lush and dense, comprised of lance-shaped leaves that are a rich green color. The leaves provide a perfect backdrop for the vivid flowers, enhancing their visual appeal and adding depth to the plant's overall structure. This plant is known for its long flowering season, adding long-lasting color and interest to gardens. It brings a touch of elegance to any garden space with its colorful blooms and attractive foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beard Tongue, Beardtongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Pensham Louise Wilson'
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon, commonly referred to as Beardtongue, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized or typical symptoms of poisoning because it is not known to be a poisonous plant. Ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to lead to serious consequences or toxicity in humans.
To pets
The Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered a safe plant with no significant toxic effects reported. Consequently, ingestion of this plant should not cause symptoms of poisoning or serious health consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Pensham Louise Wilson' is known to attract bees and butterflies, providing essential support for these beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Adapted to survive with less water, this plant is suitable for xeriscaping and dry climate gardens.
- Visual Interest: The plant offers striking flowers and foliage, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden.
- Long Blooming: It has a long flowering period, which can extend from late spring to early autumn, providing long-lasting color.
- Versatile: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and as a focal point, this plant can be included in various garden designs.
- Hardy: It is hardy in many climates and can withstand cold temperatures, making it a resilient addition to a garden.
- Deer Resistant: Less appealing to deer, this plant can be a good option for gardens where deer browsing is a problem.
- Non-Invasive: Penstemon varieties like 'Pensham Louise Wilson' are non-invasive, so they won’t take over your garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Attracting pollinators: Penstemon plants are excellent for attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to the garden, providing a source of nectar.
- Cut flowers: The striking blooms of Penstemon can be used in floral arrangements, where they add height and a splash of color.
- Photography subject: With their vibrant flowers, Penstemons like 'Pensham Louise Wilson' can be a favorite subject for garden photographers.
- Rock gardens: Due to their moderate size and ability to handle dry conditions, Penstemons can be used to add color and interest to rock gardens.
- Edging plants: Their upright habit makes them suitable for use as edging plants along borders or pathways.
- Teaching tool: Penstemons are often used in educational settings to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and the importance of native flora.
- Container gardening: Penstemons can be grown in containers on patios or balconies where garden space is limited.
- Xeriscaping: Being drought-tolerant, Penstemon is a good choice for water-wise gardens and landscapes designed with xeriscaping principles.
- Thematic gardening: Gardeners can use Penstemons to create a 'hummingbird garden' or a 'butterfly garden' to support local wildlife.
- Tattoo inspiration: The distinct and colorful flowers of Penstemon can serve as inspiration for nature-themed tattoos.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Penstemon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Penstemon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attraction and Charm: The Penstemon, with its long tubular flowers, typically symbolizes attraction and charm. 'Pensham Louise Wilson', with its striking appearance, is often admired in gardens for its aesthetic appeal, thus enhancing its association with allure.
- Health and Vitality: Many gardeners view Penstemon as a symbol of good health and vitality due to its hardiness and ability to flourish in various conditions. The 'Pensham Louise Wilson' is particularly vibrant with blooms that can suggest robustness and well-being.
- Diversity and Adaptability: As a plant that comes in many colors and forms, Penstemons represent diversity and adaptability. The 'Pensham Louise Wilson', being part of a cultivated series, stands as a testament to the variety and versatility of this plant group.
- Communication and Expression: The Penstemon flower is reminiscent of an open mouth because of its tubular shape, which can be seen as a symbol of communication and expression. The 'Pensham Louise Wilson' with its distinctive flowers may encourage the sharing of thoughts and feelings.
WaterBeardtongue, which is the common name for Penstemon 'Pensham Louise Wilson', prefers evenly moist soil during its growing season; avoid letting the soil completely dry out. It is best to water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. During hotter, drier periods, you may need to water twice a week, but always check the soil moisture first to avoid overwatering. In cooler weather or if there has been sufficient rainfall, you can reduce the watering frequency accordingly. A good indicator that Beardtongue needs water is when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
LightBeardtongue thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An east- or south-facing location that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon protection is optimal for encouraging strong growth and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureBeardtongue is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best when the daytime temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will be inhibited below this point. Maximum temperatures for healthy growth should not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Beardtongue encourages more robust growth and can prevent disease by improving air circulation. After the first bloom, deadheading the spent flowers can promote a second bloom. It is also recommended to prune the plant back in late fall or early spring before new growth begins. This can be done annually, and the best time for a major cutback is when the plant is dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Beardtongue 'Pensham Louise Wilson' prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam and sand, enriched with organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingBeardtongue 'Pensham Louise Wilson' does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or as needed when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue 'Pensham Louise Wilson' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels, but it performs best with moderate humidity, avoiding extremely dry or very high humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil for indoor Beardtongue 'Pensham Louise Wilson'.
Outdoor
Plant Beardtongue 'Pensham Louise Wilson' in sun to part-shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Pensham Louise Wilson' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germinating in spring develops a small rosette of leaves at soil level. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and elongated leaves, with the foliage becoming denser and more robust. In early to mid-summer, it reaches the flowering stage, producing tall spikes adorned with tubular bell-shaped flowers, usually in shades of purple or violet, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After the flowering period, it sets seeds which can be collected or left to self-sow, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, the above-ground portions of the plant die back during fall or early winter, but the root system remains alive, allowing the plant to regrow the following spring. Over time, the plant can become woody at the base, may become less vigorous, and might need to be divided or replaced to maintain its ornamental appeal.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Penstemon 'Pensham Louise Wilson', commonly known as Beardtongue, is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and the new growth is mature enough but still soft. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and make a cutting about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node (where the leaves were removed) is beneath the soil surface. The cuttings need a warm environment and consistent humidity, which can be maintained by covering the pot with a plastic bag or using a propagation dome. After a few weeks, roots will form, and the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to normal conditions and eventually transplanted.
