Beardtongue Penstemon 'Pensham Ted's Purple' (Pensham Series)
ABOUT
The Penstemon 'Pensham Ted's Purple' from the Pensham Series is an eye-catching perennial known for its stunning blossoms and attractive foliage. This plant produces a flourish of tubular flowers that exhibit a rich, velvety purple hue, often with a white throat that contrasts beautifully against the deeper colored petals. The blooms are arranged in dense clusters atop sturdy, upright stems and provide a striking display that is particularly appealing to hummingbirds and butterflies. The foliage of Penstemon 'Pensham Ted's Purple' consists of lance-shaped, glossy green leaves that form a lush mound beneath the floral display. The leaves may have fine serrations on their edges and are sometimes arranged in pairs along the stems, providing a lush backdrop for the vivid blossoms. The plant's overall shape and structure create an attractive and full appearance that works well as a border plant, in rock gardens, or as part of mixed flower beds. It's a versatile plant that can bring a splash of color to various garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Penstemon
Common names
Penstemon 'Pensham Ted's Purple'
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon is not widely considered a toxic plant to humans. There are no significant reports or research suggesting that this variety, or Penstemons in general, have toxic effects if ingested by humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may occur, so it is always sensible to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants unless they are known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
The Penstemon is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not listed by major pet poison helplines as a plant that is commonly associated with toxicity in pets. As with humans, while the plant is not considered poisonous, pets should be discouraged from eating plants as individual reactions can vary, and some animals may experience gastrointestinal upset or other mild symptoms if they ingest plant material that their systems are not accustomed to.
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
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Penstemon 'Pensham Ted's Purple' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, the plant is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water garden schemes.
- Long blooming period: It offers an extended flowering season, often from late spring to early autumn, providing long-lasting color.
- Low maintenance: The plant requires minimal care once established, with no need for deadheading to promote flowering.
- Hardiness: It is quite hardy and can withstand colder temperatures, making it a good choice for various climates.
- Ornamental value: 'Pensham Ted's Purple' has striking purple flowers and an upright growth habit, adding aesthetic appeal to garden beds and borders.
- Versatility: It can be used in various garden designs, including cottage gardens, perennial borders, and containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: The striking purple color of the Penstemon can be used by artists and designers as inspiration for color palettes in various forms of art and interior design.
- Photography Subject: Its vibrant blossoms and interesting structure make the Penstemon a great subject for photographers, particularly those interested in macro photography and nature.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers can use the Penstemon as an example when teaching about pollination, plant anatomy, and perennial plant life cycles.
- Insect Habitat: Penstemons can provide a habitat and nesting ground for beneficial insects, including certain species of bees and butterflies that contribute to pollination.
- Marker Plant: Gardeners can plant Penstemon as a marker for the seasonal progress in their garden, as it blooms at a specific time that can signal the peak of summer.
- Theme Gardens: Penstemons can be utilized in themed garden designs, such as a purple color-themed garden or a perennial border, due to their distinctive hue and form.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly known for culinary uses, the flowers of Penstemons can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads and desserts, provided they have not been treated with pesticides.
- Scented Gardens: The Penstemon can contribute to a scented garden, which aims to please the senses with a variety of fragrant flowers.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers of the Penstemon can be used in floral arrangements to provide a unique texture and splash of color.
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- Attraction: The rich purple color of the Beardtongue can symbolize an irresistible allure, drawing in both human admirers and pollinators alike.
- Communication: Beardtongue may represent open communication, possibly because of the openness of its mouth-like flowers, inviting exchange and expression.
- Diversity: With its variety in form and color, the Beardtongue can symbolize diversity and the beauty of different attributes coming together harmoniously.
- Serenity: The Beardtongue's soft, serene quality can be symbolic of calmness and tranquility, a reminder to embrace peace in one's environment.
- Health or Vitality: As a hardy plant that attracts pollinators, the Beardtongue can symbolize robust health and vitality, essential for the natural ecosystem's balance.
WaterThe Beardtongue should be watered thoroughly once a week, making sure the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry periods, increase watering to twice a week, providing about one gallon of water each time to ensure deep soil penetration. However, reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water again. Allow the water to soak in slowly to reach the roots rather than just wetting the surface.
LightThe Beardtongue prefers full sun to partial shade conditions. It thrives best when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an area where it is exposed to morning sunlight and receives some afternoon shade, especially in regions with very hot summer weather.
TemperatureBeardtongue plants are hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but they thrive in conditions where temperatures range between 50 and 85 degrees. They should be protected from extreme cold and frost to prevent damage. Ideal growth occurs within this temperature range, ensuring healthy blooms and foliage.
PruningPruning the Beardtongue promotes bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Perform a more substantial prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back the plant to about 3 inches above ground level to stimulate new growth. Pruning can also be done after the first flush of flowers if the plant becomes leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue prefers well-draining soil with a slight preference for alkaline conditions; a pH range of 6.5 to 8 is best. A soil mix of loamy or sandy composition enhanced with organic matter like compost would be ideal for promoting healthy growth and flowering.
RepottingBeardtongues do not need to be repotted often as they are generally grown as perennials in gardens. In pots, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity; average ambient humidity is sufficient for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-drained soil; protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Pensham Ted's Purple', commonly known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle as a seed, sown in well-draining soil in late winter to early spring. The seed germinates, typically within a few weeks, and develops into a seedling with characteristic lance-shaped foliage. As the plant matures, it forms a sturdy stem and begins to produce vivid purple tubular flowers, usually by mid to late spring or early summer, which attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds. The plant continues to grow and may produce multiple flushes of flowers before entering dormancy in the fall, where it conserves energy in its root system. Beardtongue is a perennial, which means it will re-emerge from its rootstock the following spring to begin the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Penstemon 'Pensham Ted's Purple', commonly known as Beardtongue, is often propagated by taking softwood cuttings during late spring or early summer. To do this, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 3 to 5 inch (about 8 to 13 centimeters) section just below a node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. The cutting should be placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that a few nodes are buried where leaves were removed. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in a warm area with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot or a garden bed to continue growing.
