Penstemon 'Raven' Penstemon 'Raven' (Bird Series)

Water

Beardtongue, commonly known as Penstemon 'Raven', requires moderate watering. In the absence of rainfall, provide about one inch of water per week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice a week, applying about half a gallon to each plant to maintain soil moisture. Water the plant at its base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can invite fungal diseases. Reduce watering frequency during the winter when the plant is dormant.

Light

Beardtongue thrives in full sun where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Ideal placement is in a location where it gets morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun. However, this plant can also tolerate partial shade, especially in regions with very hot summers.

Temperature

Beardtongue prefers temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F. To ensure robust growth and flowering, protecting the plant from extreme cold or frost by providing mulch or cover may be necessary.

Pruning

For Beardtongue, pruning is done to shape the plant, remove spent blooms, and encourage bushier growth. Deadhead flowers after blooms have faded to promote further flowering. In late fall or early spring, prune the plant back by one-third to stimulate new growth and maintain its form. The best time for major pruning is in the early spring, just as new shoots appear.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Beardtongue 'Raven' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of neutral to slightly alkaline. A mix containing equal parts garden soil, sand, and compost would be ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility. Regular monitoring to maintain a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 will help the plant flourish.

Repotting

Beardtongue 'Raven' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. The best time for repotting is in the spring just before the growing season begins, allowing the plant to establish in the new pot.

Humidity & Misting

Beardtongue 'Raven' prefers average to low humidity levels typical of outdoor conditions; however, it can tolerate a range of humidity levels as long as it's not too high. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant will help prevent fungal issues that high humidity can cause.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and limited water.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, well-draining soil, and water sparingly.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Penstemon 'Raven', commonly known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in well-draining soil and exposed to light, will germinate within several weeks. Seedling development follows, where the plant establishes its first set of true leaves and begins to form a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, Penstemon 'Raven' grows rapidly, producing stems, leaves, and a robust root system that prepares it for flowering. During the flowering stage, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, the plant produces tall spikes adorned with bell-shaped, purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing numerous seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant may enter a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, particularly in colder climates, where it conserves energy until the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Penstemon 'Raven', commonly known as Beardtongue, is a perennial plant that can be propagated from seeds or through division. The most popular method of propagation for Beardtongue is by seed. The optimal time to sow seeds is in late winter to early spring, after the threat of frost has passed. To propagate by seeds, sow them thinly onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and maintain a temperature around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 21.1 degrees Celsius). Seeds typically germinate within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a set of true leaves and are big enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and eventually into the garden as the weather warms.