Beardtongue Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem'
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' is a striking plant known for its beautiful flowers and foliage. The plant's leaves are typically lance-shaped and can range in color from green to a darker purplish-green, depending on various factors including sunlight exposure. Throughout its blooming season, it showcases tubular flowers that have a two-lipped appearance and are known for their vibrant and gradient color, often displaying lovely shades of blue to violet that may fade into a pinkish or white base. These flowers are arranged in dense clusters that can add a profusion of color to any garden space. The stems of 'Stapleford Gem' are strong and upright, providing a sturdy structure for the profuse blossoms that attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. The overall aspect of the plant is bushy and full, giving it a lush appearance in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beard Tongue, Stapleford Gem
Common names
Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem'.
ToxicityTo humans
Beardtongue is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. While it's generally considered safe, it is always prudent to avoid ingesting any plant material unless it is known to be edible. If unexpected symptoms arise after handling or accidental ingestion, seek medical attention.
To pets
Beardtongue is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Similar to humans, it is not associated with toxic effects in animals. However, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption. If your pet does consume Beardtongue and you notice any signs of distress, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color to the garden with its intense blue/purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
- Attracts Pollinators: Provides a nectar source for bees and butterflies, encouraging a healthy ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can survive with minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond occasional deadheading to promote additional blooms and prevent self-sowing.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cooler temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates.
- Deer Resistant: Less palatable to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from browsing animals.
- Versatile In Landscaping: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and as a specimen plant due to its striking appearance.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides a lengthy display of flowers when compared to other perennials, offering lasting visual interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting botanical prints: The striking flowers of Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' can be used to create beautiful botanical prints on paper or fabric through various printmaking techniques.
- Education: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and the importance of pollinators due to its attractiveness to bees and butterflies.
- Natural dye: The flowers and leaves may be used to produce natural dyes for coloring fabrics, yarns, or crafting materials.
- Photography subject: With its vibrant blooms, Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' makes an excellent subject for photographers specializing in flora and macro photography.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the plant's form and color for paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
- Garden design teaching tool: This plant serves as a prime example for teaching principles of garden design, such as color theory and plant placement.
- Culinary decoration: Although not widely known for culinary use, the flowers could embellish salads or desserts as an ornamental, edible garnish after ensuring they are free of pesticides.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers add texture and color to bouquets and other floral arrangements.
- Fragrance extraction: While not commonly used for fragrance, potential exists to experiment with extracting essences for use in homemade perfumes or potpourri.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative at celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Penstemon plants, including the 'Stapleford Gem', are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in tough environments, making them a symbol for enduring hardships and persisting through difficult times.
- Versatility: With its ability to adapt to various soil types and conditions, the 'Stapleford Gem' represents versatility and the ability to thrive in different situations.
- Diversity: The variety of colors in Penstemon flowers, including those of the 'Stapleford Gem', symbolizes diversity and the beauty of variety in life.
- Attraction: Penstemons are often used to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, symbolizing allure and the draw of natural charm.
WaterThe Beard Tongue should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to promote strong root growth. During periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to increase watering frequency, but be cautious of overwatering as this plant prefers well-draining soil. An appropriate amount to start with is about 1 gallon of water per plant each session, adjusting based on your soil conditions and climate. During the winter months when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to prevent rot.
LightBeard Tongue flourishes in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform best. A southern or western exposure is ideal, ensuring ample light for vibrant blooms and healthy growth. However, in very hot climates, light afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat stress.
TemperatureBeard Tongue is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures once established, but it grows best in conditions between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide mulch for insulation to protect roots during cold winters and ensure adequate moisture during hot summers.
PruningPruning Beard Tongue is essential for promoting bushy growth and abundant flowering. Trim off spent flower spikes to encourage a second bloom and cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring to tidy the plant and facilitate vigorous new growth. Yearly pruning in early spring, just as new shoots emerge, is typically sufficient. Deadheading during the bloom season can also prolong the flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem', commonly known as Beardtongue, should be well-draining with a loamy or sandy composition and should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingThe Beardtongue should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth. It is less likely to need frequent repotting if planted in the ground.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue plants do not require high humidity and are quite tolerant of dry air, making them suitable for average home and garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem', often known as beardtongue, begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in the spring under suitable temperature and moisture conditions. Seedlings emerge and establish themselves, developing a basal rosette of leaves during their first year. As the plant matures into its second year, it develops a more robust root system and begins to produce upright flowering stems. Beardtongues typically flower in late spring to early summer, showing off their tubular flowers, which attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or gravity to propagate the next generation. In the winter, the above-ground parts may die back, with the plant surviving as a perennial through its root system, ready to regrow come spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem', commonly known as Beardtongue, is through stem cuttings. This is usually done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, a gardener selects a healthy stem and cuts a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) section just below a node. It's important to remove the lower leaves, leaving only two or three pairs at the top. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The environment should be kept humid, which can be achieved by covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before planting out.
