Beardtongue Penstemon Phoenix Violet = 'Pheni Vio' (Phoenix Series)
![penstemon [Phoenix Violet]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5cb0c2052.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The Penstemon Phoenix Violet, part of the Phoenix Series, is a striking plant known for its unique and vibrant flowers. The blooms are a rich violet hue, which can bring a pop of color to any garden setting. Each flower is tubular and bell-shaped, showcasing a distinctive appearance with a somewhat flared mouth that attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. The foliage of the Penstemon Phoenix Violet adds to its visual appeal, with slender leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the vivid flowers. The plant has an upright growth habit and typically produces multiple stems that bear clusters of these eye-catching violet blossoms. Overall, this Penstemon is appreciated for its vivid flower color and elegant form which make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts looking to add some brilliance to their plant collection.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Phoenix Violet Penstemon
Common names
Penstemon 'Pheni Vio'
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemon, including the variety Phoenix Violet, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting the plant is unlikely to result in poisoning or serious health consequences; however, it is not intended for consumption, and doing so may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to it not being a food plant.
To pets
Penstemon, in general, is not known to be toxic to pets. The Phoenix Violet variety should not pose a serious risk to cats, dogs, or other household animals if they happen to ingest it. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption may still lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
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 Phoenix Violet is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, the plant has low water requirements and can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or areas with water restrictions.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant offers a long flowering season, providing vibrant violet-colored blooms from late spring to early fall.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the occasional deadheading to promote continued flowering and prevent self-sowing.
- Deer Resistant: Penstemon is generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem for gardeners.
- Versatile Landscape Usage: It can be used in a variety of garden settings including borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Colorful Foliage: The plant not only offers attractive flowers, but also has lush green foliage that adds color and texture to garden beds even when not in bloom.
- Improves Garden Aesthetics: Penstemon Phoenix Violet adds a splash of color and visual interest to the garden with its upright habit and tubular flowers.
- Easy to Propagate: It can be easily propagated from seed or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their planting or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The vibrant violet flowers of the Penstemon make it an excellent subject for macro and garden photography, providing a visually appealing backdrop or focal point.
- Edible Flowers: The flowers of some Penstemon species are edible and can be used to add a splash of color and subtle flavor to salads and desserts.
- Insect Habitat: Penstemon can be used in conservation gardens to create microhabitats for beneficial insects, including native bees and butterflies.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators can use Penstemon as an example of pollination biology and the adaptation of tubular flowers to their pollinators.
- Art Inspiration: The form and color of Penstemon flowers make them a great inspiration for artists, whether it's through painting, drawing, or other forms of artwork.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Penstemons can be incorporated into seasonal wreaths and natural holiday decorations due to their colorful blooms.
- Garden Sculpture Embellishment: Gardeners can plant Penstemon around the base of garden sculptures to aesthetically enhance the artwork.
- Crafting Dye: The petals of the Penstemon can potentially be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, though testing for colorfastness would be necessary.
- Dramatic Displays: Penstemon can be used in theatrical and stage productions to create a natural setting or to enhance the visual appeal of a scene through living sets.
- Seed Collection: Gardeners can collect Penstemon seeds for seed-swapping events, enriching the biodiversity of local gardens and sharing the beauty of this plant with others.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The 'Phoenix' series in the name suggests the mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes, representing renewal and the ability to thrive amidst challenges.
- Elegance: Penstemon, with its delicate tubular flowers, is often associated with sophistication and the gracefulness of its blooms.
- Attraction: The vibrant violet color of the 'Pheni Vio' variety can symbolize enchantment and magnetism, drawing in both pollinators and human admirers.
- Diversity: As Penstemon is a genus with various colors and forms, it can represent diversity and varying beauty in the world.
- Boldness: The intense violet color stands for boldness and a strong statement in a garden setting, symbolizing confidence in self-expression.
WaterThe Beardtongue should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the root system, and then allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. This typically translates to watering once every week if there is no significant rainfall, though frequency may increase during hot, dry periods or decrease during cooler, wetter seasons. You might need to water more frequently if the plant is in a container. Each watering should provide enough water to soak the soil around the roots, which can be roughly 1 to 2 gallons for an established plant, depending on the size and soil conditions.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is best placed in a spot where it can enjoy the morning sun and is sheltered from the intense heat of the afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. However, the plant is also tolerant of partial shade, especially in regions with very hot summers.
TemperatureBeardtongue is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best in areas with daytime temperatures between 55°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, with some varieties being hardy to even colder conditions, and maximum temperatures as high as 90°F to 95°F for short periods.
PruningPruning Beardtongue is important to remove spent flower spikes, which encourages reblooming and maintains the plant's tidy appearance. Deadheading, or the removal of faded flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season. Cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring to promote healthy new growth. The best time for heavier pruning is in spring, just as new shoots become visible.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe beardtongue plant prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for beardtongue would be a combination of loam, sand, and a small amount of compost to provide nutrition.
RepottingBeardtongue plants do not require frequent repotting and can often remain in the same pot for several years. They should be repotted if they outgrow their current pot or if the soil has become compacted or exhausted, typically every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue plants are quite tolerant of various humidity levels but thrive best in moderate humidity conditions. They do not require high humidity and can adapt to the average humidity found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, well-draining soil, protect from harsh winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon Phoenix Violet, commonly known as beardtongue, starts its life as a seed, often requiring a well-draining soil mix for optimal germination. Once the seedlings emerge and develop true leaves, they enter the vegetative stage, growing stems and foliage while establishing a robust root system. During spring or early summer, the plant transitions to the flowering stage, with the violet tubular blossoms attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers produce seed capsules, marking the reproductive stage where seeds develop for the next generation. As temperatures cool, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in areas with colder climates, conserving energy until the next growing season. In non-freezing climates, Penstemon Phoenix Violet may remain evergreen, though its growth slows during the colder months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
For the Penstemon Phoenix Violet, a commonly cultivated ornamental plant, the most popular method of propagation is by seed. Seeds are typically sown in late winter or early spring to take advantage of the growing season. They need to be surface-sown onto well-drained, moist soil and should not be covered with soil, as they require light for germination. Keep the seed tray at a temperature around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 degrees Celsius) and maintain constant moisture without saturation. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, after which the seedlings can be carefully transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
