Firebird Penstemon Penstemon 'Schoenholzeri'
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Schoenholzeri', commonly known as beardtongue, is a visually striking perennial with a distinct floral display. The plant features lush foliage of lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in a basal formation with a glossy green finish. It's the blossoms of the beardtongue, however, that capture the most attention. These flowers emerge on tall stems that tower above the foliage, boasting a tubular structure that is favored by hummingbirds and butterflies. The petals of the Penstemon 'Schoenholzeri' are usually a vivid shade of red, creating a dramatic contrast against the backdrop of its dark green leaves. The insides of the blooms have a white or lighter colored throat, speckled with delicate purple or reddish streaks that guide pollinators to the nectar within. The blooms are densely clustered along the upper part of the stems, forming a showy, elongated inflorescence that adds to the ornamental appeal of the plant. The flowering period of the beardtongue typically lasts through the warmer months, providing an extended season of visual interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Red Rocks Beardtongue, Schoenholzeri Beardtongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Schoenholzeri'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, typically is not considered toxic to humans. While it is generally safe, it is always advisable not to eat plants that are not specifically grown for consumption as they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some people.
To pets
Beardtongue is also not known to be toxic to pets. It should be safe for dogs and cats if they happen to ingest it. However, as with humans, it is best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid potential stomach upset or an unexpected allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Schoenholzeri', commonly known as Beardtongue, is a favorite among bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies due to its vibrant flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Beardtongue is considered to be drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, which can be ideal for gardeners looking for plants that don’t require constant attention.
- Long Blooming Season: The Beardtongue has a long flowering period that often lasts from late spring to early summer, providing extended color in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: The plant is capable of withstanding colder temperatures, which makes it suitable for growing in a variety of climates.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: With its striking tubular flowers and tall growth habit, Beardtongue adds visual interest and vertical accent to garden beds and borders.
- Adaptable to Various Soils: While it prefers well-drained soil, the plant can adapt to different soil types, though it may not tolerate heavy, wet soil very well.
- Deer Resistant: Beardtongue is often resistant to deer, so it is less likely to be damaged by wildlife in areas where deer are common.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, can be used in culinary arts as an edible garnish, with the flowers providing a colorful accent to salads and desserts.
- The blooms of Beardtongue can be pressed and incorporated into craft projects, such as creating natural designs on handmade paper or bookmarks.
- Dried Beardtongue flowers are used in potpourri mixes to add a subtle fragrance and interesting texture to the mixture.
- Beardtongue can be a part of a natural dye extracted from the flowers, used for coloring fabrics or wool in shades of pink and purple.
- In garden design, Beardtongue can be used to create a visual transition between different garden areas because of its height and structure.
- Penstemon 'Schoenholzeri' can be used in photography as a subject for botanical photography due to its striking flowers.
- Beardtongue petals can serve as bookmarks; their flatness and size are ideal for slipping between pages.
- The plant can be cultivated as part of educational programs for children, teaching them about pollination and the role of native plants in the ecosystem.
- The Beardtongue's sturdy stems can be integrated into homemade wreaths and other floral arrangements, adding a rustic touch.
- Penstemon flowers can be used in the hobby of flower pounding, where the pigment from the blooms is transferred onto fabric or paper through hammering.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, typically symbolizes resilience due to its ability to withstand tough environments and poor soil conditions.
- Versatility: Reflecting the plant's adaptability to various habitats, beardtongue can represent the capacity to thrive in a range of circumstances.
- Attraction: With its bright and inviting flowers, beardtongue is often associated with charm and the ability to attract good things into one’s life, similar to how it attracts pollinators.
- Health and Vitality: Some gardeners believe that the beardtongue's robust nature exemplifies good health and vigor.
- Longevity: The perennial nature of beardtongue denotes longevity and enduring presence through various seasons of life.
WaterBeardtongue, including the Penstemon 'Schoenholzeri,' should be watered deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots, about 1 inch a week. It is important to let the soil dry out between waterings, as beardtongue prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate soggy conditions. During hot or dry spells, increase the frequency of watering to maintain moist but not saturated soil. Be mindful of rainfall and adjust your watering accordingly to prevent overwatering. Typically, providing approximately half a gallon per square foot every week, adjusting for climate and soil conditions, will keep your beardtongue thriving.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal location for Penstemon 'Schoenholzeri' is a spot where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If situated in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Morning sun with some afternoon shade is preferred in hotter climates to prevent stress from excessive heat.
TemperatureBeardtongue is hardy in a range of temperatures and can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant prefers warmer conditions and will flourish in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which are ideal for promoting robust growth and flowering. It's critical to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below the freezing point for prolonged periods, especially during budding or flowering stages.
PruningPruning beardtongue is important for promoting bushier growth and more abundant blooms. After the blooming period, typically in late summer or early fall, deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage a second bloom. It's also beneficial to prune the plant back by about a third in late winter or early spring to revitalize and prepare for the growing season. Pruning can be done every year or as needed to maintain shape and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, preferring a soil pH between 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost works well to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingBeardtongues should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, ideally in the spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity conditions present in most temperate climates without special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good airflow.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, shelter from strong winds, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Schoenholzeri', commonly known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in spring, provided they have been subjected to a period of cold to break dormancy. The seeds develop into small rosettes of foliage that gradually mature during their first growing season. In the following year, the plant enters its vegetative stage, producing a larger rosette and, if conditions are favorable, sending up flowering stalks. The blooming stage typically occurs in late spring to early summer, showcasing tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules which then dry and release seeds to start a new generation. Penstemon 'Schoenholzeri' is a perennial, so after flowering, it will enter a period of dormancy in the winter, conserving energy in its roots to repeat the cycle in the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: For the Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, the most popular method of propagation is by seed. The best time to sow Penstemon seeds is in late winter to early spring under a cold frame or indoors before the last frost. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist but not wet. Germination can take 2 to 3 weeks, and once the seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots. Before planting them outside, it's important to harden off the young plants gradually to acclimatize them to outdoor conditions. Once there is no risk of frost and the plants are strong enough, they can be planted into their final position in the garden where they can enjoy full sun to partial shade.
