Penstemon 'Pensham Victoria Plum' Penstemon 'Pensham Victoria Plum' (Pensham Series)

Water

Beardtongue should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This typically translates to about 1 inch of water each week, which is roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water it more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture. In cooler or rainy conditions, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging. Monitor the soil moisture and adjust accordingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

Light

Beardtongue thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. Plant it in a location that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to weak stems and poor flowering.

Temperature

Beardtongue is hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit; however, it prefers temperatures in the range of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive in higher summer temperatures if not exposed to prolonged heat without adequate watering. The plant is generally suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.

Pruning

Prune beardtongue to remove spent flowers and encourage a second flush of blooms. Also, pruning in late winter or early spring promotes healthy growth by eliminating old, woody stems. Cut back the plant by approximately one-third to one-half of its height after the main flowering period to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for pruning is after the last frost when new growth begins to appear.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the Beardtongue, a well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. A mixture of loam, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite will enhance drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Beardtongues should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container, ensuring fresh, nutrient-rich soil for continued growth.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongues prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier air found in most home environments without requiring additional humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, minimal watering.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, space out plants.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA.

Life cycle

The Penstemon 'Pensham Victoria Plum', commonly known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle as a seed, usually sown in spring or autumn in well-draining soil. Upon germination, the seed develops into a seedling with true leaves, and as it grows, the plant forms a sturdy stem and a rosette of lance-shaped leaves. During late spring to early summer, the mature plant produces tall flower spikes adorned with bell-shaped, plum-colored blossoms that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers fade and seed capsules form, which eventually dry and release seeds for the next generation. Throughout summer and into fall, Beardtongue continues to produce flowers while managing energy for survival through the winter. Perennial in nature, after the winter dormancy period, the plant will regrow from its rootstock, repeating its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Penstemon 'Pensham Victoria Plum', commonly known as Beardtongue, is most commonly propagated by stem cuttings. To propagate Beardtongue using stem cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem in the late spring or early summer. Cut a 3- to 6-inch (7.5 to 15 cm) length of stem, ensuring there are several nodes present. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting into a mixture of moistened potting soil and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. Then, cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity around the cutting. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.