Beardtongue Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace'
ABOUT
The Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace' is a striking plant, known for its beautiful and vibrant flowers. It showcases an array of tubular blooms that are softly colored in a delicate shade of pink, resembling a dainty necklace, hence its charming name. The blooms are typically arranged densely along upright, slender spikes that gracefully extend above the foliage. This creates a visual effect of a pink cascade that can add a touch of elegance to any garden setting. The foliage of the 'Pershore Pink Necklace' is typically lush green, forming a contrasting backdrop to the pink flowers. The leaves have a glossy appearance and can be lance-shaped to slightly ovate. They are arranged neatly along the stems, giving the entire plant a robust and full-bodied look even when it's not in bloom. Throughout its blooming season, the 'Pershore Pink Necklace' plant becomes a hub of activity as the trumpet-shaped flowers attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, adding life and movement to the serene beauty of the elongated floral spikes. Overall, it is a plant that exudes charm and softness, owing to its pastel hues and elegant flowering habit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Beard Tongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace'
ToxicityTo humans
Beardtongue is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant not designated for consumption, it is always advisable to exercise caution and keep them out of the reach of children who might accidentally ingest plant parts.
To pets
Beardtongue is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause serious illness or death if pets accidentally ingest parts of the plant. However, each animal might react differently to various plants, and ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If such symptoms occur or if you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of the plant, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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: It helps attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace' can withstand periods of dry weather, requiring less watering.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant boasts attractive pink flowers, making it a visually appealing addition to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the initial planting and occasional watering, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Resistance to Pests: The Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace' is relatively resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, including poor soils, as long as they are well-drained.
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: Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace', with its striking pink flowers, can be used by artists as a subject for paintings, photographs, or as reference material for botanical illustration.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in botany classes or workshops to illustrate plant anatomy, pollinator attraction strategies, and the importance of native flora in garden ecosystems.
- Dye Source: The vibrant pink petals might be used to create a natural dye for textiles, although tests should be conducted first to ascertain colorfastness and vibrancy.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly known for culinary uses, the flowers can potentially be used as an edible garnish on salads and desserts, provided they haven't been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
- Bee Garden Staple: Can be included in bee garden plantings to help support local bee populations and provide educational opportunities about the importance of pollinators.
- Craft Projects: Dried flowers and seed pods can be incorporated into craft projects such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or pressed flower arrangements.
- Photography Projects: Can serve as an attractive subject for macro photography projects or seasonal garden portfolios, capturing the delicate details of the blooms and foliage.
- Perfumery: Although not a traditional source, the blooms may have a fragrance that could inspire or be used in homemade perfumes or scented sachets.
- Theme Gardens: Can contribute to themed garden designs, such as a pink color-themed garden or a necklace-like pattern when planted in a string within the landscape.
- Natural Confetti: Dried and crumbled petals could serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti for outdoor celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Penstemon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Penstemon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Grace: The 'Pershore Pink Necklace' penstemon, with its delicate pink flowers, symbolizes beauty and grace, reflecting its elegant blooms that add elegance to any garden.
- Endurance and Survival: Penstemons are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, thus they convey a message of resilience and overcoming adversity.
- Fertility and Abundance: The prolific blooming nature of the penstemon represents fertility and abundance, making it a symbol of plentitude and a generous yield.
- Attraction and Charm: Its attractive flowers are associated with charm and the ability to allure, which speaks to the plant's captivating presence and its appeal to pollinators.
- Healing and Restoration: Penstemons are also sometimes used in traditional medicine, representing healing and the restoration of health and balance.
WaterThe Beardtongue (Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace') should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once a week during active growth periods. In cooler temperatures or during dormant periods, reduce watering frequency. Apply water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of several inches; for an average-sized plant, this might require approximately 1 gallon of water. Adjust the amount based on the plant's size and the local climate conditions, but always allow the soil to partially dry out between watering sessions.
LightBeardtongue thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Planting it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight will promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Slightly shaded conditions are acceptable, especially in hot climates where some respite from the afternoon sun can prevent scorching.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Beardtongue is between 60°F and 80°F. It can withstand colder temperatures down to about 20°F but needs protection from frost. High temperatures above 90°F can stress the plant, so some shade during the hottest part of the day is beneficial.
PruningPruning Beardtongue is important to encourage bushier growth and to remove spent flowers, which promotes additional blooming. Prune the plant in early spring by cutting back the previous year's growth by about one-third. Deadheading, or removing old flower spikes after blooming, can be done throughout the flowering season to keep the plant tidy and encourage new flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue 'Pershore Pink Necklace' thrives best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will create an ideal environment for healthy growth.
RepottingBeardtongue 'Pershore Pink Necklace' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time to repot to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue 'Pershore Pink Necklace' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in a home or garden environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace', commonly known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in early spring after the last frost when soil temperatures warm. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative plant, forming a rosette of leaves at ground level and then sending up shoots that bear leaves and buds. During late spring to early summer, the Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace' enters the flowering stage, producing spikes of tubular, pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, these flowers develop into seed capsules containing numerous small seeds, which can be dispersed by wind, animals, or human intervention. In fall, as temperatures drop, the plant begins to enter dormancy, reducing its above-ground activity and conserving energy in its root system. The perennial nature of Beardtongue ensures that it springs back to life from its root system the following season, continuing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Penstemon 'Pershore Pink Necklace', more commonly known as Beardtongue, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. The optimal time for this is late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing but the stems are not yet fully mature. To propagate, select a healthy stem and cut a 3 to 6 inch (about 7.5 to 15 cm) length just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag can help retain humidity. New roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before planting out.
