Penstemon 'Pensham Saint James's' Penstemon 'Pensham Saint James's' (Pensham Series)

Water

Beardtongue plants should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Typically, this translates to about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. During the summer or in particularly hot, dry climates, you might need to water twice a week. Distribute the water evenly around the base of the plant, aiming to saturate the root zone while avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Over the course of a month, the plant typically requires approximately 4 gallons of water but adjust this amount based on rainfall and temperature conditions.

Light

Beardtongue thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for a Beardtongue would be a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant can tolerate some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter regions, to protect from scorching, but too much shade will compromise flowering.

Temperature

Beardtongue prefers moderate to warm temperatures, with an ideal range between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F, making it capable of surviving mild winters. Extreme cold below this range can be harmful, and similarly, prolonged heat above 85°F may stress the plant.

Pruning

Prune Beardtongue to promote bushier growth and to encourage more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season to maintain a tidy appearance and prompt further flowering. Cut back the foliage by about a third in late fall or early spring to help stimulate new growth and maintain the plant's shape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Beardtongue prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). A good soil mix for Beardtongue would be a mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Repotting

Beardtongues typically do not need to be repotted frequently. They can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue thrives in average to low humidity conditions; it does not require high humidity levels. This plant is well-suited to the humidity levels commonly found in most home gardens.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Beardtongue in bright indirect light, cooler temperatures preferred.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part-shade, shelter from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Beardtongue 'Pensham Saint James's' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in moist, well-drained soil in spring. As the seedlings develop, they produce a rosette of leaves and establish a strong root system. In the following year or after a period of growth, the plant begins to produce sturdy flowering stems, typically in late spring to early summer, adorned with bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After the flowering period, which can last until late summer, seeds form and are eventually dispersed near the parent plant or by wind and animals. The plant may undergo a period of dormancy during colder months, especially in regions with harsh winters, resuming growth in the following spring. Many specimens are perennial and will continue this cycle for several years, while some may be treated as annuals depending on climate conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Propogation: The Penstemon 'Pensham Saint James's', commonly known as Beardtongue, is most effectively propagated by softwood cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. To propagate, one would take a cutting of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) in length from a healthy stem, ensuring at least a couple of leaves are attached. The cutting's lower leaves are then removed before dipping the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the leaf nodes where leaves were removed are buried, as this is where roots will form. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm area with indirect light. Rooting can take several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and finally transplanted into the garden.