Penstemon 'Port Wine'
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Port Wine' is a striking perennial known for its wine-colored flowers that resemble the hues of a rich port wine, which is where it gets its name. The plant sports a lush foliage of narrow leaves that are glossy and green, creating an attractive backdrop for the blooms. The flowers themselves are tubular, with a flared mouth that opens to reveal a prominent white throat. This contrast between the deep, burgundy-red petals and the white throat is particularly eye-catching. The flowers are arranged in dense clusters along the stems, creating a showy display that can add vibrancy to any garden. The blooms attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, adding movement and life to the garden scene. While Penstemon 'Port Wine' is notable for its beautiful blossoms and foliage, specific details about the plant's size are not included in this description.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beard Tongue, Beardtongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Port Wine'.
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemon 'Port Wine', commonly referred to as Beardtongue, is not generally considered toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant, as it is typically deemed safe. However, like with any plant, individual allergies or unusual reactions can occur, so it is always recommended to be cautious and avoid ingesting plant material that is not commonly recognized as food.
To pets
Beardtongue is not known to be toxic to pets either. This means that if pets ingest parts of the Beardtongue plant, they are not likely to suffer from poisoning or experience harmful symptoms strictly due to toxicity. Nevertheless, it is always best practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants since they can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset due to the fiber content or if the pet has a specific sensitivity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Penstemon 'Port Wine' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, aiding in pollination.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: It has minimal requirements for fertilization and pruning, making it easy to care for.
- Aesthetic appeal: Its bright, wine-colored flowers add vibrant color to garden beds and borders from late spring to early summer.
- Deer resistant: The plant is typically not preferred by deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Versatility: It can be used in a wide range of garden designs, including rock gardens, perennial beds, and wildflower meadows.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of Penstemon 'Port Wine' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or art projects, providing a range of colors from pale pinks to deep purples depending on the mordant used.
- Edible garnish: While not commonly consumed, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts, adding a splash of color and subtle flavor.
- Photography subject: The striking colors and shapes of Penstemon 'Port Wine' flowers make them excellent subjects for botanical photography and art.
- Craft projects: Dried flowers can be used in scrapbooking, pressed flower art, or to decorate homemade greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Plant-based ink: Extract from the flowers can be used to make a plant-based ink for penning letters or creating artwork.
- Teaching tool: Its distinct morphology makes Penstemon 'Port Wine' a useful specimen for teaching botany, especially regarding flower structure and pollination mechanisms.
- Ice cubes: Frozen flowers in ice cubes make a creative and decorative element for drinks at special events or garden parties.
- Flower confetti: The petals can be dried and used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing the environmental impact compared to plastic confetti.
- Natural potpourri: Dried Penstemon 'Port Wine' flowers can be included in natural potpourri mixes, contributing their shape and possibly some fragrance to the blend.
- Candle decoration: Embedding the flowers in the exterior of candles can create unique and attractive handmade gifts or decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Penstemon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Penstemon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Penstemons are known for their ability to thrive in tough conditions, symbolizing strength and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Attraction: With its vibrant 'Port Wine' color, the plant can represent allure and magnetism, suggesting one's power to attract and captivate.
- Diversity: The wide variety of Penstemon species and hybrids, like 'Port Wine', symbolize diversity and adaptability, celebrating different qualities and uniqueness.
WaterThe beardtongue requires watering once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During the growing season, you should provide approximately one gallon of water per plant each week. In hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on the humidity and temperature. Be cautious not to overwater as beardtongue is susceptible to root rot from too much moisture.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for the plant is where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureBeardtongue prefers temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive minimal temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from frost, which can damage growth. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
PruningPruning beardtongue is essential to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second bloom. It is best done shortly after the first flowering period ends, typically in mid-summer. Additionally, cut back the foliage in the fall to tidy the plant and remove any damaged or diseased stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue 'Port Wine' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and a portion of sand or perlite to enhance drainage works well. The ideal pH for this cultivar is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingBeardtongue 'Port Wine' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time to repot, just before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue 'Port Wine' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers conditions that are not overly humid. Average room humidity is usually sufficient, and the plant does well in outdoor environments with natural fluctuations in humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering Beardtongue 'Port Wine'.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade for Beardtongue 'Port Wine'.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Port Wine', commonly known as Beardtongue, starts its life as a seed which requires well-draining soil and some exposure to cold to germinate, a process called stratification. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic foliage. As it matures, Beardtongue enters a vegetative stage during which it focuses on leaf and stem growth, preparing for reproduction. Once matured, usually in late spring to early summer, the plant enters the flowering stage, showcasing tubular, wine-colored blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce capsules containing numerous small seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, the plant then either stays semi-evergreen or dies back to the ground in colder climates, to reemerge from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Penstemon 'Port Wine', commonly referred to as Beardtongue, is by seed. This is typically done in late winter to early spring to allow for stratification, which is a period of cold treatment required to break the seed dormancy. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds superficially on a well-draining soil mix and lightly press them into the surface to ensure good contact, but do not cover them as they need light to germinate. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for germination to occur, and once seedlings are strong enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden when the risk of frost has passed.
