Beardtongue Penstemon 'Rubicundus'
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Rubicundus', also known as beardtongue, is a visually striking perennial plant characterized by its vibrant and showy flowers. The blooms of this beardtongue typically present a deep rosy-pink to red hue, and they have a distinctive tubular shape, which is particularly appealing to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Each flower comprises a flared mouth with a two-lipped appearance, displaying a white throat that often features streaks or spots of contrasting color, adding to its ornamental appeal. The foliage of Penstemon 'Rubicundus' consists of lance-shaped leaves that are smooth-edged and can have a glossy or slightly glaucous (bluish-green or grayish) finish, depending on the light and growing conditions. These leaves are sometimes arranged in a basal rosette at the base of the stem, with others ascending the stems, giving the plant a full and bushy appearance. The leaves can also vary in color from bright green to a darker green, providing a lush backdrop for the vivid flowers. The stems of the beardtongue are upright and sturdy, providing good support for the clusters of flowers that bloom at their tips. The stems are often tinged in color, sometimes echoing the hue of the flowers, while the overall structure of the plant is robust and well-branched, contributing to its bushy and attractive silhouette when in full bloom. Penstemon 'Rubicundus', with its expressive flowers and elegant foliage, serves as a stunning addition to gardens and landscapes. It typically blooms in the late spring to early summer, providing a burst of color and textural interest and creating a point of attraction for garden visitors, both human and wildlife alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beard Tongue, Beardtongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Rubicundus'.
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemon, commonly referred to as Beardtongue, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting any parts of the plant. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from Beardtongue in humans.
To pets
Beardtongue is not recognized as a toxic plant to pets either. It does not contain any known toxins that would pose a risk when ingested by animals such as dogs and cats. Thus, there are no specific symptoms related to Beardtongue poisoning in pets. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some animals due to the irritation of the digestive tract or from the animal not being accustomed to the material ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Rubicundus', commonly known as Beardtongue, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Beardtongue is quite drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright red tubular flowers, it adds vibrant color and visual interest to garden beds and borders.
- Low Maintenance: Beardtongue requires minimal care, making it a suitable plant for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Deer Resistance: It's known to be deer resistant, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Soil Adaptability: Penstemon 'Rubicundus' can adapt to a variety of soil conditions, though it prefers well-draining soil.
- Cool Season Interest: Even after blooming, the foliage and seed heads can provide visual interest during the fall and winter.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes and banks.
- Long Blooming Period: Beardtongue typically has a long flowering period from late spring through summer.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Penstemon 'Rubicundus', commonly known as Beardtongue, can be used in educational settings such as botanical gardens or science classrooms to illustrate pollination mechanisms, as many species have specialized structures to aid pollination by specific pollinators.
- Beardtongue can be included in wildlife gardens aimed at providing food sources and habitat for native bird species, particularly hummingbirds which are attracted to the tubular flowers for nectar.
- The blooms of Beardtongue plants can be used for dye production, offering a range of colors that can be extracted from the flowers and potentially used in natural fabric dyeing processes.
- Adding an aesthetic element to functional structures, Beardtongue species can be planted in green roofs or living walls, contributing to the thermal insulation and biodiversity while also providing visual appeal.
- As a tool for teaching photography, the vivid flowers and intricate details of Beardtongue plants provide excellent subjects for macro photography workshops or classes, helping students to learn about lighting and composition in nature photography.
- Used as groundcovers, Beardtongue plants can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or banks with their root systems, while adding a splash of color to the landscape.
- For culinary presentation, though not directly edible, the flowers can serve as non-toxic garnishes for plating desserts or cocktails, adding a touch of elegance and color.
- The hardy nature of Beardtongue makes it suitable for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation, making it an excellent option for water-conservation gardens.
- These plants can serve as living mulch, as their foliage can cover the ground, help retain soil moisture, and suppress weeds while contributing to a garden's overall health and diversity.
- Providing seasonal interest, dried Beardtongue flowers and seed heads can be used in floral arrangements or crafts, offering a natural and rustic element to home decor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attractiveness: The vibrant colors of the Beardtongue flower make it symbolic of beauty and allure, drawing attention and admiration from onlookers.
- Resilience: As a hardy perennial that can withstand various climates and poor soil conditions, Beardtongue represents strength and the ability to endure challenging circumstances.
- Communication: The mouth-like shape of the flowers can be associated with communication and expression, symbolizing the importance of sharing thoughts and emotions.
- Charm and Openness: The open form of the Beardtongue blossoms suggests a welcoming nature and the spreading of positivity and joy.
- Balance: The growth habit of the Beardtongue, with its evenly spaced flowers and symmetrical form, can symbolize balance and harmony in life.
WaterBeardtongue, commonly known as Penstemon 'Rubicundus', should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In most conditions, this amounts to about once a week, but this frequency may increase during hot, dry spells to possibly twice a week. When watering, aim to provide approximately 1 gallon of water for each plant to ensure the water reaches the deep roots. During the winter or cooler seasons, reduce the frequency to match the plant's reduced water requirement. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent issues with leaf spot diseases and ensure the base of the plant is targeted.
LightBeardtongue thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning that it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Planting it in a spot that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense, late-afternoon heat. If grown as a border or within a mixed garden bed, ensure surrounding plants do not overshadow it.
TemperatureBeardtongue prefers temperate climates and can generally handle temperatures ranging from approximately 20°F to 85°F. Frost may damage new growth, so ensure it's planted in areas where the temperature does not frequently drop below freezing. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 55°F and 75°F.
PruningPrune Beardtongue to maintain shape and promote vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back by up to one-third after the flowering period to refresh the plant and potentially stimulate a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix for Penstemon 'Rubicundus' should consist of loamy garden soil, coarse sand, and compost to ensure adequate drainage and fertility. Adding perlite or pumice can help improve aeration and drainage further.
RepottingBeardtongue doesn't need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years as it prefers not to be disturbed. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its container, typically every 2 to 3 years, using a similar well-draining soil mix.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue, or Penstemon 'Rubicundus', is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive. Average room humidity is generally sufficient, making it well suited for typical home environments without the need for additional humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near a sunny window with ample light.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Rubicundus', commonly referred to as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown, typically in well-draining soil and with some stratification to break seed dormancy. Upon germination, which requires adequate warmth and moisture, the seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with foliage true to the parent variety. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative state where it grows leaves and stems, focusing on accumulating resources through photosynthesis to foster growth. The next stage is the flowering phase, typically in late spring or early summer, where the plant produces tubular flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, and once seeds are mature, they are dispersed, often by wind or gravity, completing the reproductive cycle. In between these stages, Beardtongue undergoes seasonal periods of growth and dormancy, where it may die back to the ground in winter in colder climates to become dormant and then regrow from its root system when conditions become favorable in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The popular method to propagate the Penstemon 'Rubicundus', commonly known as Beardtongue, is through stem cuttings. This is usually done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist, well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in indirect light. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plants can gradually acclimatize to less humid conditions before being transplanted outside.
