Beardtongue Penstemon Phoenix Pink = 'Pheni Pinka' (Phoenix Series)
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ABOUT
Penstemon Phoenix Pink, known simply as Penstemon, is a vibrant flowering perennial that boasts a bountiful display of tubular, bell-shaped flowers, which are a striking hot pink in color. These blossoms possess a delicate, soft texture and are arranged densely on long, slender spikes that rise gracefully above the foliage. The foliage itself consists of narrow leaves that have a smooth-edge appearance and are a rich green color, contributing a lush background to the flamboyant pink flowers. The visual appeal of Penstemon is enhanced by the contrast between the intense pink of its flowers and the deep green of its leaves. This plant is valued for its lengthy blooming period, during which it provides continuous color and interest in a variety of garden settings. The showy flowers are not only attractive to the human eye but also to pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, adding an element of dynamic wildlife interaction to the plant's presence in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Beardtongue, Phoenix Pink Penstemon
Common names
Penstemon 'Pheni Pinka'.
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxicity or poisonous effects upon ingestion. However, as with any plant material, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions can occur, and it is always best to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for consumption.
To pets
Penstemon, often referred to as beardtongue, is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While it is not considered poisonous, ingestion of any plant material may lead to gastrointestinal upset or other issues in animals with sensitive stomachs. If a pet ingests beardtongue and shows symptoms of distress, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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: The Penstemon Phoenix Pink is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long flowering season from late spring to early fall, adding prolonged color to the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond the occasional watering and deadheading to encourage more blooms.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in various garden settings, such as borders, flower beds, and rock gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Provides vibrant pink flowers that add a pop of color to garden spaces.
- Resilience to Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Cold Hardy: Able to withstand cooler temperatures, which makes it suitable for many temperate climates.
- Attractive Foliage: Not only does it produce beautiful flowers, but it also boasts attractive foliage that adds texture to the garden when not in bloom.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some garden plants, the Penstemon Phoenix Pink tends not to spread aggressively, making it an ideal choice for controlled garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Penstemon 'Phoenix Pink' can be used in dried flower arrangements; when the flowers have faded, they can be cut and dried to maintain their shape and color for indoor decorations.
- The plant can act as a natural dye source; the flowers might be used to produce a light pink dye for fabrics or paper.
- It can serve as an educational tool in botany or horticulture classes to illustrate plant growth, pollination, and the breeding of cultivars.
- Penstemon 'Phoenix Pink' can be used in artistic photography due to its vibrant color and attractive form, making it a great subject for nature photographers.
- The plant may be used as a living mulch; it can provide ground cover which helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Penstemon 'Phoenix Pink' can be used for companion planting, potentially attracting pollinators or beneficial insects to gardens.
- The flowers can serve as natural confetti, where petals can be scattered for a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti.
- It can be used as part of a sensory garden; the plant's texture and color are appealing and can be included as a tactile element.
- The plant's vertical growth habit can be utilized in small gardens to create an illusion of space and height without using much ground area.
- Penstemon 'Phoenix Pink' can be used in a 'plant petting zoo', an interactive garden space where visitors can gently touch and experience different plant textures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPenstemon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPenstemon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope - The vibrant pink blooms of the Penstemon symbolize hope and an optimistic outlook toward the future.
- Strength and Resilience - As part of the Phoenix series, this plant's name conjures images of the mythical bird that rises from its ashes, representing strength, rebirth, and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Longevity - Penstemons are known for their long blooming period, echoing themes of enduring presence and long-lasting influence or relationships.
- Balance - The Penstemon's upright growth habit and balanced foliage can symbolize the need for balance and harmony in one's life.
- Fertility and Vitality - The lush, vibrant growth and generous flowering of the Penstemon reflect themes of fertility, health, and overall vitality.
WaterBeardtongue requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It's best to water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which is approximately 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging. During hot, dry periods, you might need to water twice a week. In the winter months, reduce watering to every other week as the plant's water needs decrease.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sunlight, where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in an open area that is not shaded by trees or buildings throughout the day. While it can tolerate partial shade, flowering is most prolific when the plant is placed in an area with ample sunlight.
TemperatureBeardtongue prefers moderate to warm conditions and can generally withstand temperatures down to about 20°F but should be protected from hard freezes. The ideal growing temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F. This plant can tolerate high temperatures well, as long as they are well-watered and have adequate air circulation.
PruningPrune beardtongue to promote bushier growth and to remove spent flower stalks, which can encourage a second bloom. Pruning is best done after the first flowering period has ended, typically in mid to late summer. Deadheading, or removing dead flowers regularly, can also improve the plant's appearance and help prevent self-seeding.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Beardtongue (Penstemon) is well-draining and fertile, with a mix of loam, sand, and compost or peat moss. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.8 to 7.
RepottingBeardtongue (Penstemon) should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. This ensures healthy growth and blooming.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue (Penstemon) prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable to different humidity levels, making it suitable for a range of indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and water moderately.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil is ideal.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Penstemon 'Phoenix Pink' begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-drained soil, often in early spring. Following germination, seedlings establish themselves, developing a root system and foliage through the juvenile phase. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it produces a rosette of leaves and stems in preparation for flowering. The reproductive phase is marked by the blooming of its vividly colored pink tubular flowers, which attract pollinators and may occur from late spring to early summer. After pollination, the plant sets seed, completing its reproductive cycle, and these seeds can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. Finally, as a perennial, the 'Phoenix Pink' will enter a period of dormancy in the cold months, only to resprout from its rootstock with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Penstemon Phoenix Pink, commonly known as Beardtongue, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy, mature plant during the late summer to early fall. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long and have several leaves. After removing the lower leaves, the stem cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should then be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Beardtongue plant can be transplanted to a permanent location in the garden.
