Beardtongue Penstemon 'Thorn'
ABOUT
Penstemon 'Thorn' is a flowering perennial widely admired for its striking blossoms. This variety showcases a dense clump of foliage from which sturdy stems emerge. The leaves are lance-shaped, somewhat narrow, and may exhibit a fine layer of hair-like texture with a rich green color that often has undertones of purple or maroon, adding to its visual interest. The most compelling feature of Penstemon 'Thorn' is its vivid flowers, which tend to be a captivating display of tubular blooms that can come in a range of colors, often deep reds, pinks, purples, or sometimes bicolored patterns. The flowers are arranged in well-spaced whorls along the upper part of the stems, providing a showy display from late spring to early summer. These blooms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds and bees, adding to the plant's garden value. Although not delving into specifics, it should be noted that the Penstemon 'Thorn' has a bushy habit and is known for its durability and resilience, which makes it a favored choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their borders or flower beds without intensive maintenance requirements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Thorn Penstemon
Common names
Penstemon 'Thorn'.
ToxicityTo humans
Penstemon 'Thorn', commonly known as beardtongue, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common reports of poisoning from ingestion of any part of this plant. As with any non-food plant, if large quantities are consumed, it might cause stomach discomfort or an allergic reaction, but there's no specific toxicity associated with this plant for humans.
To pets
Beardtongue is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered a pet-safe plant, and there should be no toxic effects if your pet happens to ingest parts of this plant. However, individual pets may have different sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet exhibits unusual symptoms after ingesting beardtongue, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
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 'Thorn' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which promote pollination in gardens.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, they are highly drought-resistant, making them suitable for water-wise landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: These plants require minimal care once they're established, saving time and effort in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: With showy flowers, they add visual interest to gardens during their blooming season.
- Adaptability: Penstemon 'Thorn' can adapt to a wide range of soils, with the exception of extremely wet conditions.
- Erosion Control: Their root systems help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Versatility in Landscape Design: They can be used in borders, rock gardens, or as a colorful accent in various garden styles.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting natural dyes: The stems and leaves of the Penstemon may be used in creating natural dyes for fabrics or fibers, providing varying shades depending on mordants.
- Photography subject: Due to its striking blossoms, Penstemon can be an ideal subject for botanical photography and art prints.
- Educational tool: Penstemon can be used in educational settings such as schools and botanical gardens to teach about pollination and plant anatomy.
- Ink production: The pigments from Penstemon flowers may be used experimentally to produce natural inks for art or writing.
- Landscape design: Penstemon 'Thorn' can be used in xeriscaping, suitable for dry landscapes that require minimal water usage.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried Penstemon petals can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for events and celebrations.
- Culinary decoration: Although not commonly consumed, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, provided they are free from pesticides.
- Garden art: Creatively trimmed Penstemon plants can contribute to living sculptures or topiary art in ornamental gardens.
- Habitat creation: Penstemon can be planted to create habitats for beneficial insects and provide nectar sources for pollinators.
- Nature-inspired designs: The unique form and color of Penstemon flowers can inspire patterns and designs in textiles, wallpaper, or other decorative elements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Penstemon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Penstemon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Penstemons, also known as beardtongues, often symbolize resilience as they are hardy plants that can thrive in difficult conditions with minimal care.
- Self-reliance: Able to withstand harsh environments, beardtongues signify self-reliance and independence.
- Attraction: With their vivid and tubular flowers, beardtongues can symbolize attraction and draw in positivity and good energy.
- Purity: The plant's connection with attracting hummingbirds, which are often perceived as symbols of purity and lightness, may lend beardtongues an association with these qualities as well.
WaterThe Beardtongue, commonly known as Penstemon 'Thorn', should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, usually about once a week. Avoid shallow watering; instead, water deeply to encourage deep root growth, using approximately one gallon of water per plant each time. During the growing season in spring and summer, monitor the soil moisture more frequently and water as needed. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. In arid climates or during extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently, always checking the soil moisture before doing so.
LightBeardtongue thrives best in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, place it in a spot where it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates, but too much shade may result in leggy plants and fewer blooms.
TemperatureBeardtongue plants are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but perform best in conditions between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit but may need protection from prolonged freezing conditions. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so provide some shade or extra water during intense heat waves.
PruningPrune Beardtongue in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Trim off any dead or damaged stems and cut back the plant by about one third to encourage bushy growth. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season can also encourage more blooms. Prune again after the main flowering period to maintain shape and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue 'Thorn' prefers well-draining soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.8-7). Incorporate a mixture of loam, sand, and compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Regularly check soil moisture, as overly wet conditions can lead to root rot.
RepottingBeardtongue 'Thorn' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the ideal time to repot for minimal stress on the plant. Choose a container slightly larger than the current one to allow for growth.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue 'Thorn' tolerates average room humidity but prefers conditions that are on the drier side. Ensure that there is good air circulation around the plant to prevent diseases often associated with high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoor care, place Beardtongue 'Thorn' in bright indirect light and ensure well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Beardtongue 'Thorn' in a sunny spot with well-draining soil; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
Beardtongue 'Thorn' is suitable for USDA zones 3-8.
Life cycleThe life cycle of Penstemon 'Thorn', also known as Beardtongue, begins with seed germination, which occurs in late winter to spring, depending on the temperature and moisture conditions. After germination, the seedling stage involves the development of a root system and the first true leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it undergoes significant growth, producing a robust foliage structure. During the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, Penstemon 'Thorn' produces tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Following pollination, the plant develops fruits which are dry capsules containing numerous small seeds. The life cycle is completed when these seeds are dispersed by wind or gravity, ready to germinate and produce new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Penstemon 'Thorn', commonly known as Beardtongue, is often propagated through stem cuttings, ideally during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Beardtongue using this method, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) section just below a node. The leaves at the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where roots can form. The pot should be kept moist and in a bright, indirect light environment until roots have established, which typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months.
