Beardtongue Penstemon 'Razzle Dazzle'
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Razzle Dazzle' is a visually striking perennial plant known for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. The flowers of this cultivar are tubular and display a vibrant combination of colors, typically fuchsia or magenta shades that can create a dazzling effect in the garden. The blooms are densely clustered on tall stalks, rising above the foliage and often hummingbirds find these flowers irresistible due to their shape and nectar. The foliage of 'Razzle Dazzle' is equally appealing, with lush green leaves that are lance-shaped and have smooth edges. The leaves form a dense base from which the floral spikes emerge, creating a fine texture and visually appealing contrast with the bold flowers. Overall, Penstemon 'Razzle Dazzle' is known for its brilliant and vivid floral display which can add a burst of intense color to any planting bed or border. The blooms are enduring through the warm season, making this Penstemon a popular choice among gardeners who seek to create a long-lasting visual impact.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Beard Tongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Razzle Dazzle'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon 'Razzle Dazzle', generally known as Beardtongue, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence pointing towards its toxicity, and it isn't listed by major health organizations as a plant that causes poisoning when ingested. However, it's always prudent to avoid ingesting plants not meant for consumption, as individual allergies or reactions could occur.
To pets
Beardtongue is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, including cats and dogs. There is limited evidence of it causing poisoning in household pets. Therefore, ingestion of this plant is unlikely to result in serious harm to animals. However, it's generally wise to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from eating plants, as individual reactions can vary, and what is non-toxic for one pet may not be the same for another.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Razzle Dazzle' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a high tolerance to drought conditions, making it ideal for water-wise gardens.
- Long Blooming: It typically offers a long blooming season, providing color and interest in the garden from late spring throughout the summer.
- Low Maintenance: This Penstemon variety is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Cold Hardy: Penstemon 'Razzle Dazzle' is tolerant of cold temperatures, which allows it to thrive in a variety of climates.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant flowers and lush foliage, it adds aesthetic value to any garden or landscape.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden styles, including rock gardens, borders, 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- Butterfly Attraction: Penstemon, with its tubular flowers, is great for attracting pollinators like butterflies, adding vibrancy to any butterfly garden.
- Hummingbird Garden: The Razzle Dazzle variety, in particular, can serve as a nectar source for hummingbirds due to its bright colors and nectar-rich blooms.
- Themed Landscaping: Use Penstemon in rock gardens or southwestern-themed landscapes where their form and drought resistance complement such designs.
- Edging Plants: They can be planted along walkways and borders for a colorful edge thanks to their upright growth habit and striking flowers.
- Photography: Penstemon provides a vivid and attractive subject for nature and garden photography with their vivid blossoms and appealing aesthetic.
- Cut Flowers: Long-stemmed varieties like Razzle Dazzle can be used in fresh flower arrangements, adding a touch of wildflower charm to bouquets.
- Garden Art Complement: The striking appearance of Penstemon can be paired with garden sculptures or art pieces to enhance the visual interest of an outdoor space.
- Focal Point in Planters: When grown in containers, they can create a dramatic focal point on patios or balconies with their striking flower spikes.
- Seasonal Festivities: Penstemon’s vibrant flowers can be used for decorating during seasonal festivities, as they often bloom around holidays and special occasions.
- Erosion Control: Plant them on slopes or banks to help stabilize the soil with their root systems, which can prevent erosion in certain landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attraction and Charm: The vibrant colors of the Beardtongue can symbolize an attractive and charming personality, reflecting the "Razzle Dazzle" in its name.
- Strength and Resilience: As Penstemon is known for its hardiness and ability to survive in tough conditions, it often represents strength and resilience in adversity.
- Communication and Eloquence: The tubular shape of Beardtongue flowers has been thought to symbolize clear communication and the expression of thoughts and feelings.
- Diversity and Uniqueness: The wide variety of Penstemon species and the uniqueness of 'Razzle Dazzle' may celebrate diversity and the splendor of being unique.
WaterBeardtongue requires watering that allows the soil to dry out slightly between waterings; overwatering can lead to root rot. In general, give the plant about 1 inch of water once a week during the growing season, but adjust based on rainfall and temperature. Water the plant at its base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the winter, reduce watering to whenever the soil is completely dry to a depth of an inch. It's best to water in the morning to allow any moisture on the leaves to dry out over the course of the day.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sun situations, where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms. The ideal spot is an area that is shielded from the hottest, most intense late afternoon sun.
TemperatureBeardtongue prefers a temperate climate and can typically survive in temperatures ranging from 10°F to 90°F. However, the ideal growing temperature is between 60°F and 70°F. It's important that the plant is protected from harsh winter conditions, especially if temperatures dip below the survival range.
PruningPrune Beardtongue to remove spent flower stems, encourage bushier growth, and stimulate additional blooming. Pruning is often done after the first flush of blooms in the late spring or early summer. Deadheading throughout the growing season can also promote more flowers. Periodically check for and cut away any damaged or diseased foliage to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Beardtongue 'Razzle Dazzle' is one that is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil with added compost and a handful of sand or perlite can provide the right texture and nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingBeardtongue 'Razzle Dazzle' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years. It's best to repot in spring when signs of being root-bound are evident or growth has significantly slowed.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue 'Razzle Dazzle' is not particularly demanding when it comes to humidity and can thrive in average ambient moisture levels found in most homes, which generally range from 40-50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright, indirect light; well-draining soil; minimal water.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil; mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Penstemon 'Razzle Dazzle' begins with seed germination, often in late winter to spring, requiring well-draining soil and warmth to sprout. Once germinated, the young seedlings grow into vegetative plants, developing a rosette of leaves at the base and erect stems. Through the spring and summer, vegetative growth continues as the plant matures and produces lanceolate leaves along the stems. Flowering typically occurs from late spring to early summer, presenting vibrant pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules that mature by late summer or fall, dispersing seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. The plant may either die back in the winter, behaving as a herbaceous perennial, or persist in mild climates, preparing to enter the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Penstemon 'Razzle Dazzle', commonly known as beardtongue, is typically propagated through seed or by cuttings, with the most popular method being through stem cuttings. To propagate beardtongue by stem cuttings, one would typically take 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cuttings from soft, new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be snipped just below a node, and the lower leaves removed. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development and insert the cutting into a moistened mix of perlite and peat. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a greenhouse to maintain high humidity. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots and grown on before planting out in the garden.
