Beardtongue Penstemon 'Southgate Gem'
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Southgate Gem' is a striking plant known for its vibrant and showy appearance. It has an upright growing habit and produces an abundance of bell-shaped flowers. The blooms are often a radiant pink with a hint of red, creating a stunning display that is frequently visited by hummingbirds and butterflies. The flowers are arranged in panicles that tower gracefully over the foliage. The foliage of this Penstemon features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are lush green in color, providing a dense backdrop for the flamboyant flowers. These leaves may exhibit a fine texture that adds to the visual interest of the plant. The leaves are attached to strong stems, which support the weight of the blooming panicles with ease. The plant has a bushy appearance, lending itself well to garden borders and beds, where it offers a splash of color and natural elegance. Its bright flowers and appealing form make it a popular choice among gardeners who wish to attract pollinators while adding a touch of beauty to their landscape designs. Overall, Penstemon 'Southgate Gem' is a charming plant that thrives with proper care and adds a distinct look to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Beardtongue, Southgate Gem Penstemon.
Common names
Penstemon 'Southgate Gem'.
ToxicityTo humans
Generally, Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, is not considered toxic to humans. These plants are often used in gardens and landscapes without significant reports of poisoning. Therefore, they are not typically associated with hazardous consequences upon ingestion.
To pets
Much like their toxicity to humans, Penstemon, or beardtongue, is not known to be toxic to pets either. They are commonly grown in gardens where pets have access and there are no widespread reports of adverse effects from pet ingestion. Therefore, minimal risk is associated with pets ingesting parts of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Southgate Gem' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which play a crucial role in pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant is drought-resistant, making it ideal for low-water gardens or xeriscaping.
- Easy to Grow: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance and suitable for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming: The plant has a lengthy blooming period, often providing flowers from late spring to early fall, adding prolonged color to the landscape.
- Cold Hardy: Penstemon 'Southgate Gem' is resistant to cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Diverse Landscaping: Its colorful, tubular flowers and vertical growth habit add aesthetic variety to garden beds, borders, and rock gardens.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally not preferred by deer, which can benefit gardens in areas where deer browsing is an issue.
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 cut flower arrangements. Its vibrant flowers and tall stems add height and color to bouquets.
- In a wildlife garden, Beardtongue can serve as a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies, encouraging these pollinators to visit your garden.
- Educational gardens often use Beardtongue to teach about plant-pollinator interactions due to its appealing flowers and pollinator attractions.
- Beardtongue can be used in xeriscaping, which is a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- This plant can be part of a sensory garden due to its delicate texture and bright flowers, providing a tactile and visual experience.
- Penstemon can be used in borders along garden pathways, where its upright habit and colorful blooms can guide and entice guests to follow the path.
- Beardtongue varieties, with their tubular flowers, are often used in thematic gardens dedicated to Victorian symbolism, where flowers were used to send coded messages.
- When dried, the tall flower spikes of Beardtongue can be used in dried flower crafts and arrangements, maintaining some of their color and form.
- In ecological landscaping, Beardtongue can be strategically planted to prevent soil erosion thanks to its root system that helps to stabilize the soil.
- Penstemon can be used in a rock garden to create a naturalistic setting, as many species can thrive in rocky, well-drained conditions.
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: Penstemons are known for their ability to thrive in tough conditions, symbolizing strength and the ability to endure difficult times.
- Adaptability: With their wide range of habitats, penstemons signify the ability to adapt and flourish in various environments.
- Diversity: The variety of colors and forms of penstemons represent diversity and the beauty of being unique.
- Boldness: The bright and vivid flowers of the Penstemon 'Southgate Gem' symbolize a bold approach to life and the courage to stand out.
WaterThe Beardtongue should be watered deeply once a week during hot, dry periods. Ensure the soil is well-drained and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. For each watering session, aim for approximately 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil. During cooler months or when rainfall is adequate, reduce the watering frequency. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot which is detrimental to the Beardtongue.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sun to partial shade environments. It's best planted in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms, so make sure it's positioned in a bright area with some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
TemperatureBeardtongue does well in a range of temperatures, but the optimal growing range is between 60°F and 75°F. Ensure that temperatures do not drop below 20°F, as frost can damage the plant. They can withstand temperatures up to 90°F, but may require additional watering in extreme heat.
PruningPrune Beardtongue in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is done to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged growth, and encourage bushier growth with more flowers. Cut back by up to one-third of the total height, and do so annually for the best results.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite can encourage good drainage and air circulation around the roots.
RepottingBeardtongue plants, like 'Southgate Gem', do not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various conditions as long as the soil drainage is good and it's not in a continuously wet environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Beardtongue in bright, indirect light and ensure soil drainage.
Outdoor
Plant Beardtongue in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Penstemon 'Southgate Gem', commonly known as Beardtongue, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of warm temperatures and adequate moisture. Once the seedling emerges, it develops true leaves and gradually matures into a vegetative stage, growing stems and foliage. As it enters the flowering stage, the plant produces distinctive tubular flowers, often in shades of pink, red, or purple, which are pollinated by bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into capsules containing numerous small seeds. The plant may then enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, where it will die back to the ground and rest until conditions are suitable for new growth. As a perennial, the Beardtongue completes this cycle annually, regrowing from its root system to bloom again each season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Penstemon 'Southgate Gem', commonly known as beardtongue, is by cuttings. This technique is usually done in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots within a few weeks, at which point it can be transplanted outdoors or into a larger container.
