Beardtongue Penstemon Phoenix Red = 'Pheni Reeda' (PBR) (Phoenix Series)
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ABOUT
Penstemon Phoenix Red, commonly known as Beardtongue, is a vibrant flowering plant that showcases striking colors and an upright growth habit. This specific variety, 'Pheni Reeda', is notable for its vivid red flowers that easily catch the eye. The flowers bloom in tubular shapes, typical of the Beardtongue family, with a slight flare at the mouth, resembling the bell of a trumpet. The blossoms are arranged in dense clusters along the stem, providing a lush, colorful display. The foliage of Penstemon Phoenix Red is equally attractive, presenting lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The leaves are smooth and can vary in shades of green, often making a lovely contrast against the bold red blooms. The plant exudes a bushy appearance, with the stems branching gracefully and holding the flowers up for a showy display. Overall, the blend of the bright red flowers and rich green leaves makes the Penstemon Phoenix Red a standout addition to any garden space, creating spots of intense color and attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Phoenix Red Penstemon
Common names
Penstemon x mexicali 'Pheni Reeda'
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There have been no significant reports of poisoning or toxic effects from ingesting Penstemon. Therefore, encountering this plant does not typically pose a risk of toxicity for humans. However, as with any plant, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to the possibility of individual allergies or other unforeseen reactions.
To pets
Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs or cats. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingestion of this plant in pets, suggesting a low risk of adverse health effects. Nonetheless, it is always prudent to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset or be harmful if the pet has specific sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant red flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Penstemon Phoenix Red is hardy and can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Visual Appeal: Its striking red flowers add a pop of color to landscapes and can enhance the aesthetic of any garden or outdoor space.
- Low Maintenance: This variety typically requires minimal pruning and deadheading, making it an easy-care option for gardeners of all levels.
- Long Blooming: The Penstemon Phoenix Red blooms for an extended period, usually from late spring through to fall, providing long-lasting color.
- Adaptable: It’s adaptable to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils, which makes it versatile for different garden conditions.
- Compact Growth: With a neat and compact growth habit, it is ideal for borders, rock gardens, and as a front-of-the-border plant in mixed beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink Production: The vivid red pigments of the Penstemon flowers can be used to create natural dyes or inks for art projects.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking appearance, the Penstemon can make for a beautiful and interesting subject in macro and nature photography.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers can use the Penstemon Phoenix Red plant to demonstrate plant anatomy and pollination to students.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for its culinary uses, the flowers may be used as a decorative, non-toxic garnish for salads or desserts.
- Artistic Inspiration: The bright red color and unique shape of the Penstemon can inspire artists for paintings, drawings, and fabric designs.
- Craft Projects: Dried Penstemon flowers can be incorporated into scrapbooking, paper making, or other craft hobbies for added texture and color.
- Natural Confetti: The petals can be dried and used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations to avoid environmental pollution.
- Bookmarks: Pressed Penstemon flowers can make for delicate and attractive bookmarks.
- Seed Harvesting: Enthusiasts may collect the seeds from Penstemon pods for trading with other gardeners or for future planting.
- Floral Arrangements: While not unusual, Penstemon can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements to add a bold splash of color.
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 - The Penstemon is known for its hardiness and resilience, symbolizing the ability to withstand challenges and remain steadfast.
- Vitality - With its vibrant red flowers, the Penstemon Phoenix Red represents life force, energy, and good health.
- Passion - The striking red color of its blooms is commonly associated with strong emotions, love, and desire.
- Boldness - Penstemon Phoenix Red stands out in gardens, symbolizing confidence and the courage to make a statement.
- Attraction - This plant is often used to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, signifying allure and the drawing of positive forces or attention.
WaterThe Beardtongue, commonly known for its cultivar Penstemon Phoenix Red, requires moderate watering, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, water once or twice a week, using about one gallon per week for an established plant in a garden setting or 16-32 onzes for potted plants, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions. Reduce watering frequency to once every two weeks or less during the dormant period in fall and winter, and always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightBeardtongue thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. An ideal spot would provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes healthy growth and optimal blooming. If grown indoors, placing the Penstemon near a south or west-facing window would usually provide sufficient light.
TemperatureThe Beardtongue prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging from approximately 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but for optimal growth, maintain garden soil temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme cold or frost can damage the plant, so provide protection or mulch in areas with harsh winters.
PruningPruning Beardtongue is essential to encourage bushy growth and to maintain its attractive shape. Prune in early spring by cutting back the plant by one-third to promote new growth. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous blooming. It's also a good practice to cut back the plant after flowering has finished to keep it tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Beardtongue, a well-draining soil mix is ideal, incorporating a blend of loam, sand, and compost to promote good root health. The best pH for this soil mix should range between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure optimal growth.
RepottingBeardtongue does not need frequent repotting; it should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can thrive in the average humidity found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of Penstemon 'Phoenix Red' begins with seed germination, typically occurring in early spring under appropriate temperature and moisture conditions. The seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, forming a rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and starts to produce lance-shaped leaves, preparing for the flowering stage. During late spring to summer, the Penstemon 'Phoenix Red' enters the blooming stage, producing vibrant red, tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed capsules containing tiny seeds, which are dispersed by wind or other means to start a new generation. Finally, as a perennial, the above-ground parts of the plant may die back in the fall or winter, while the root system remains alive, allowing the plant to regrow and complete the cycle again the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, particularly the Penstemon Phoenix Red 'Pheni Reeda', is via seed sowing. Seeds should be started indoors around 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date to ensure they are strong enough to transplant outdoors when the weather warms up. Sow the seeds thinly in well-draining soil in a seed tray, barely covering them with a sprinkling of soil since they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and maintain a temperature around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Germination usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, after which seedlings should be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
