Beardtongue Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry' (Ice Cream Series)
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry', from the Ice Cream Series, is a captivating perennial known for its showy, tubular flowers that bring a vibrant touch to gardens. These gorgeous blooms are characterized by their rich, cherry-like color, which is a deep reddish-pink hue that can add a pop of color to any setting. The flowers are arranged densely on tall, upright stalks, creating a striking visual impact. The foliage of 'Sweet Cherry' consists of glossy green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the bright flowers. These leaves are narrow and elongated, sometimes with a slightly serrated edge, adding texture and fullness to the overall appearance of the plant. The contrast between the dark foliage and the bright blossoms is particularly stunning and could become a focal point in a garden display. The overall growth habit of Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry' is neat and bushy, forming a clump that is as attractive as it is graceful. The flowers beckon hummingbirds and butterflies, making it not only a feast for the eyes but also a beneficial addition to support pollinators. This variety is part of a series that is celebrated for its deliciously named, dessert-inspired colors, and 'Sweet Cherry' lives up to its name with its delectable floral display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Sweet Cherry Beardtongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry'
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemons, including Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry', are generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence of poisonous effects from consuming parts of this plant. Therefore, if ingested, they are not typically known to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or serious consequences to human health. It is always best to avoid eating ornamental plants and consult with a medical professional or poison control center if accidental ingestion occurs and there is concern about potential toxicity.
To pets
Penstemons, such as Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry', are not commonly known to be toxic to pets. They are generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals if accidentally ingested. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from pets consuming this plant. Nevertheless, as with any non-food item, ingestion of plant material could potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets. It is always prudent to watch for any signs of distress in your pet and consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms arise after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry' is popular among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity in gardens.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise landscaping.
- Long Blooming Period: It produces vibrant flowers from late spring to early fall, offering prolonged visual interest.
- Colorful Foliage: Its foliage provides a lush green backdrop that contrasts nicely with the bright blooms.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer, helping to keep your garden intact.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and is generally easy to care for, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Hardy Plant: It is resilient to many pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy and thriving garden.
- Versatile Landscaping: Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry' can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, beds, and containers.
- Frost Tolerant: It can withstand light frosts, which makes it suitable for cooler climates.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The striking deep pink to cherry red flowers add a splash of color to any garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography prop: The vibrant blooms of Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry' can provide a colorful backdrop or focus for botanical photography, enhancing the visual appeal of the photos.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in botanic gardens and educational programs to demonstrate the diversity of flowering plant cultivars, especially in the Ice Cream Series.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the striking appearance of 'Sweet Cherry' Penstemon as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art, capturing its bright cherry color.
- Floral design: The long-lasting blooms make them suitable for use in floral arrangements or bouquets, where they add a splash of color and unique form.
- Theme gardens: Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry' can be incorporated into theme gardens, such as a cherry or ice cream-themed garden, due to its name and color association.
- Attracting wildlife: This Penstemon variety can be planted to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the ecological health of a garden.
- Holiday decor: The flowers of Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry' can be used in decorations for holidays or events, particularly those occurring in spring and summer.
- Wedding ceremonies: Its vibrant cherry blossoms can be used in wedding ceremony setups, adding a natural and colorful touch to the venue.
- Garden photography workshops: The plant can be a subject in workshops teaching garden photography techniques, with a focus on how to capture the color and form of flowers.
- Culinary presentations: Although not edible, the flowers can be used as a non-toxic garnish for culinary dishes during food styling and photography.
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: The vibrant colored flowers of Penstemon can symbolize magnetic attraction, much like their ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies in nature.
- Boldness: The striking appearance of the 'Sweet Cherry' variety, with its bold red hues, may represent bravery and a willingness to stand out.
- Endurance: Penstemons are known for their hardiness, often symbolizing strength and the ability to endure challenging conditions.
- Fertility: As a plant that attracts pollinators, it may also represent fertility or the creation of new ideas.
- Health: Their robust nature can be a symbol of good health and vitality.
WaterBeardtongue should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In hot, dry conditions, you might need to increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring you provide about 1 gallon of water each time for mature plants. Reduce the amount for younger plants, giving them about half a gallon. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Over the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to every few weeks, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightBeardtongue thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates, but too much shade can lead to leggy plants and reduce blooming. A southern or western exposure is usually ideal to provide enough sunlight for these flowers.
TemperatureBeardtongue is hardy in a range of temperatures, typically enduring minimum winter temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive summer highs up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Ideally, they prefer to grow in temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below the minimum range can damage or kill the plant.
PruningBeardtongue should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading throughout the blooming season can improve the plant's appearance and vigor. After the first killing frost, cut back the foliage to ground level. Pruning is also a time to shape the plant and remove any dead or diseased wood, usually done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Beardtongue prefers well-draining soil with added organic matter; loamy or sandy soil types are ideal. The best pH range for this plant is between 6.0 to 7.0. A mix incorporating equal parts garden soil, sand, and compost is recommended for optimal growth.
RepottingBeardtongues should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and allow for continued root growth. Spring is the best season for repotting this perennial.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongues thrive in moderate humidity levels found in typical outdoor environments; they do not require high humidity and can tolerate dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Sweet Cherry' begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in warm, moist soil conditions, often in late winter to spring. Upon germination, seedlings develop roots and foliage as they transition into vegetative growth, where they focus on accumulating resources and increasing in size. During the flowering stage, typically from late spring to early summer, the plant produces vibrant tubular flowers that attract pollinators for the reproductive process. After pollination, flowers develop into fruit capsules containing seeds, signaling the maturation stage. As temperatures cool and the growing season ends, Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry' may enter a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, conserving energy by shedding leaves and retreating to the root system. With the return of favorable conditions in the following season, the plant breaks dormancy, completes the cycle, and begins new vegetative growth, leading to future flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Penstemon 'Sweet Cherry' from the Ice Cream Series can be most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and make a cut to obtain a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length, just below a leaf node. Strip the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Place the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite, then water it well. Keep the cutting in a bright location out of direct sunlight and maintain consistent moisture. Roots should establish in a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to more direct light and eventually planted outdoors.
