Beardtongue 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' Penstemon 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' (Pensham Series)
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral', a cultivar from the Pensham Series, showcases a striking appearance with showy flowers and upright habit. The blooms exhibit a captivating combination of colors, with coral-hued petals that have tiger-striped shades, generally seen as darker contrasting lines or variegations that imbue each flower with a unique, exotic look. These tubular flowers are clustered along the upper part of the stems, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. The foliage of the Penstemon 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' consists of lance-shaped leaves that are bright green, providing a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms. The leaves may grow oppositely along the stems, giving the plant a dense and bushy appearance. The overall habit of the plant is both erect and clumping, forming a neat and tidy mound that becomes a focal point in any garden setting. The contrast between the warm floral colors and the cool greenery makes this Penstemon a highly desirable choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their beds or borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae.
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Penstemon.
Common names
Penstemon 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral'
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon, specifically the 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' variety, is not known to be toxic to humans. Typically, members of the Penstemon genus are considered non-toxic and do not pose a serious risk if ingested in small quantities. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, and it's always a good idea to discourage consumption of ornamental plants due to the potential for mild stomach upset or irritation. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from Penstemons, and they are generally regarded as safe around humans in terms of toxicity.
To pets
Similar to their profile for humans, Penstemon plants, including the 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' variant, are not commonly known to be toxic to pets. They are generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other animals if they happen to ingest small amounts of the plant. While the Penstemon is not associated with toxicity, ingestion of any non-food plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, as a result of irritation or the novelty of the ingested material. In the case of pets with specific plant allergies or particular sensitivities, more severe reactions could occur. It is generally advisable to monitor pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these plants are relatively drought-tolerant, making them suitable for water-wise gardens and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: They offer a long season of blooms, typically from late spring to early fall, depending on the climate, which provides continual interest in the garden.
- Easy Maintenance: Penstemons are generally low-maintenance, only requiring deadheading to promote further blooming and occasional division to maintain vigour.
- Landscape Versatility: Their colorful flowers and upright form make them ideal for mixed borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens, enhancing the visual appeal of various garden designs.
- Hardiness: Being part of the Pensham Series, these plants are bred for hardiness, allowing them to withstand cooler temperatures and thrive in a variety of climates.
- Non-Invasive: Penstemons, including the 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral', typically do not spread aggressively, making them good neighbors to other plants in the garden.
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 vibrant colors and unique tiger-stripe pattern on the flowers can inspire artists and designers in their work, providing a beautiful, natural subject for paintings, textiles, or patterns.
- Photography subject: Penstemon 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' can be a compelling subject for macro photography due to its striking coloration and delicate floral structures, offering photographers a chance to showcase the intricate details of nature.
- Educational tool: Educators can use the plant in botany classes to demonstrate the diversity of flower forms and pollination strategies, as Penstemon flowers are particularly attractive to bees.
- Garden themes: Gardeners might include this Penstemon in themed gardens, such as a 'big cats' garden, where plants are chosen for names or characteristics reminiscent of large wild felines.
- Culinary decoration: While not for consumption, flowers may be used as non-toxic, decorative garnishes for plates and platters during special events, adding a splash of natural color to culinary presentations.
- Fragrance source for potpourris: The mild fragrance of the flowers can contribute to a potpourri mix, providing a subtle natural scent to a room when dried and mixed with other aromatic herbs and flowers.
- Floral crafts: The sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers of 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' are ideal for creating dried flower arrangements or other crafts like wreaths and floral crowns.
- Markers for plant breeding: Breeders can use the distinctive flowers as a marker when crossbreeding with other Penstemon varieties, to track inheritance of traits and to develop new hybrids.
- Photoperiod study: Owing to their specific flowering times, these Penstemon can be used in studies to better understand how day length and light quality influence blooming in perennials.
- Color therapy gardens: Due to their uplifting color, they can be included in gardens designed for color therapy, which aims to use the psychological effects of color to improve well-being.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Penstemon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Penstemon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: Penstemons are known for their robust nature and ability to thrive in tough conditions, symbolizing resilience and fortitude.
- Endurance: With their ability to survive in various climates, penstemons represent the capacity to endure and adapt.
- Beauty: The striking appearance of 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' particularly signifies the appreciation of beauty in all its forms.
- Diversity: The wide range of colors and shapes in the Penstemon genus celebrates diversity and the multitude of forms beauty can take.
- Healing: Historically, some penstemon species were used by indigenous people for medicinal purposes, symbolizing healing and health.
WaterThe Beardtongue should be watered deeply and less frequently to promote strong root growth, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. This might equate to about 1 gallon per plant every week during active growth in the spring and summer, but always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler or rainy conditions, watering may be reduced. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions to prevent root rot. During winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you're planting this Penstemon in a garden, a spot that has morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is optimal, especially in the hottest regions, to protect from scorching in peak summer heat.
TemperatureBeardtongue prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F as the ideal growing conditions. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 30°F and maximum temperatures up to about 90°F. During extreme temperatures at either end, protective measures may be necessary to maintain plant health.
PruningPruning Beardtongue is essential to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Prune in early spring by cutting back last season's growth by about one-third to promote new growth. Deadheading spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season can also encourage further blooming. After the first frost in the fall, you can also cut the plant back to the ground to keep the area tidy and prepare for next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of loam, compost, and coarse sand can provide optimal growth conditions. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBeardtongue doesn't require frequent repotting. Repotting every 2-3 years is sufficient, or if the plant has outgrown its container.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue thrives best in average to low humidity conditions; no special humidity adjustments are typically required for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade; protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Penstemon 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures warm. After germination, the seedling develops into a juvenile plant with a rosette of leaves at ground level; during this stage, the root system also establishes itself. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing more foliage and stem growth in preparation for reproduction. This perennial then reaches the flowering stage, usually in late spring to summer, producing vibrant coral flowers that attract pollinators and are a key feature of the 'Pensham Series'. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which completes the reproductive cycle. In the autumn, the above-ground portion of the Penstemon may die back, with the plant then lying dormant over winter, relying on its root system to survive until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Penstemon 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral', commonly known as beardtongue, is generally propagated through semi-ripe cuttings during the late summer. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select healthy growth from the current season and snip off a section of stem about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long. The leaves on the lower half of the stem are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed. Once rooted, the young plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden. This propagation method captures the true characteristics of the 'Pensham Tiger Belle Coral' and is preferred among gardeners for maintaining cultivar integrity.
