Penstemon 'Purple Riding Hood' Penstemon 'Purple Riding Hood' (PBR) (Riding Hood Series)

Water

The Beardtongue should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This translates to about 1 inch of water per week or roughly 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. In the peak of summer, especially in hot, dry climates, you may need to water twice a week. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. It's less about the frequency and more about maintaining consistent moisture while avoiding waterlogged soil.

Light

Beardtongue prefers full sun conditions but can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can protect it from the intense heat. The best spot would be one where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Temperature

Beardtongue thrives in a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 20°F in winter to over 90°F in summer. However, the ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, indicating its adaptability to various climates.

Pruning

Prune Beardtongue plants to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second bloom. This is typically done after the first wave of flowering finishes, in midsummer. Additionally, trim the plants back in late fall or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy, vigorous growth. The best time for major pruning is in the spring, just as new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Beardtongue prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with a preferred pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal for ensuring good drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Beardtongue doesn't require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years, repot only when the plant outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and thrives best in moderate conditions without the need for any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light and ensure well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Choose sunny spot, well-draining soil, and water moderately.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Penstemon 'Purple Riding Hood,' also known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in the spring, in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. The seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative plant, growing leaves and stems. As the plant matures, it forms a sturdy base with numerous stems and leaves, preparing for flowering. Flowering usually occurs in early summer to midsummer, showcasing its vibrant purple tubular flowers which attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the plant sets seeds that mature by late summer, which can be dispersed to produce new plants. During the fall and into winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but its perennial nature allows it to regrow from its roots the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular way to propagate Penstemon 'Purple Riding Hood' is by cuttings, typically taken during the late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy stem and cut a piece about 3 to 5 inches long just below a leaf node. It's important to use a sharp, clean cutting tool to avoid damaging the plant and to prevent disease. The bottom leaves of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mixture and should be kept moist until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. To create a suitable environment for rooting, the cutting can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity.