Beardtongue Penstemon 'Windsor Red'
ABOUT
The Windsor Red is a striking perennial that boasts vibrant red flowers, which are trumpet-shaped and adorned with a white throat. These prominent blooms cluster along the stems, standing out with their bold hue against the backdrop of the plant's verdant foliage. The leaves are narrow and pointed, creating an elegant and fine-textured look that complements the showy flowers. The Windsor Red blooms prolifically, especially during the late spring to early summer months, attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies with its colorful display and rich nectar. The contrast between the lush green leaves and the fiery red blossoms makes this plant a standout in any garden setting, offering a dash of warmth and dramatic flair. Its evergreen nature ensures that even when not in bloom, it retains a certain visual appeal throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Beard Tongue
Common names
Penstemon 'Windsor Red'
ToxicityTo humans
The Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, no symptoms of poisoning are generally expected upon ingestion of this plant.
To pets
Beardtongue is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not expected to cause any symptoms of poisoning if ingested by animals such as dogs and cats.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Penstemon 'Windsor Red' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it is a low-water plant, making it a good choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Provides color: With its vibrant red flowers, it adds a splash of color to landscapes and borders throughout its blooming season.
- Easy to grow: This plant is generally easy to care for and does not require extensive gardening knowledge or maintenance.
- Long blooming period: Penstemon 'Windsor Red' has a long flowering season, often from late spring into early fall, providing sustained interest in the garden.
- Deer resistant: It is not a preferred plant for deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Adaptable to various soils: Penstemon 'Windsor Red' can thrive in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soils.
- Use in garden design: Its upright habit and striking flowers make it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to perennial beds and borders.
- Cut flowers: The blooms can be used in floral arrangements, adding their vivid color indoors as well.
- Non-invasive: Penstemon 'Windsor Red' is not known to be invasive and therefore it is unlikely to crowd out other plants in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Monarch butterfly attractant: The bright red flowers of the Windsor Red can be particularly effective at attracting monarch butterflies, serving as a way to support their population.
- Natural dye source: The flowers of the Windsor Red might be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of pink to red hues.
- Edible flowers: The flowers can be used as a colorful, albeit mild-tasting, garnish in salads or as an edible decoration on cakes and desserts.
- Photography subject: With their striking red color, they make an excellent subject for botanical photography and garden portfolios.
- Art inspiration: The vivid blooms can inspire artists, serving as a model for paintings, drawings, or textile designs.
- Theme gardens: Windsor Red can be used to create a themed garden space, such as a red garden or a patriotic garden showcasing red, white, and blue flowers.
- Craft projects: Dried flower heads can be used in craft projects, such as wreaths or dried flower arrangements.
- Culinary experiments: The petals might be used to infuse syrups, sugars, or vinegar with color and a hint of floral flavor.
- Water-wise landscaping: Being drought-tolerant, the Windsor Red is suitable for xeriscaping and in regions with water usage restrictions.
- Garden storytelling: This plant can play a role in children's gardens, used to tell stories about color, pollinators, or plant growth.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Hardiness: Penstemons are known for their robust nature and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing resilience and fortitude.
- Attraction and Charm: The 'Windsor Red' variety, with its bright red flowers, can symbolize attractiveness and a magnetic personality, drawing others in with its vivid color.
- Boldness and Confidence: The striking appearance of the red blooms can be symbolic of making a bold statement and having the confidence to stand out from the crowd.
- Healing and Restoration: In traditional herbal medicine, parts of the penstemon plant have been used for healing, representing restoration and rejuvenation.
- Connection to Nature: The Penstemon's preference for wild, untamed environments can symbolize a deep connection to the natural world and a love for the outdoors.
WaterBeardtongue 'Windsor Red' should be watered deeply but infrequently, aiming to encourage deep root growth. Typically, watering once a week with one to two gallons per plant is adequate, although this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage. Reduce watering in the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy.
LightBeardtongue 'Windsor Red' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to be planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day, which promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering. If the plant receives too much shade, it may become leggy and produce fewer blooms.
TemperatureBeardtongue 'Windsor Red' can withstand a wide range of temperatures but grows best in environments where summer temperatures range between 50°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around 10°F. To ensure robust health, avoid placing it in locations where temperatures exceed 90°F for prolonged periods.
PruningPruning Beardtongue 'Windsor Red' encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout the growing season to promote continuous flowering. In late winter or early spring, cut back the entire plant to within a few inches of the ground to rejuvenate and prepare for the upcoming growing season. This is typically the best time to prune, though some additional light pruning can be done as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Beardtongue 'Windsor Red' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter; a mixture of loam, sand, and compost is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingBeardtongue 'Windsor Red' does not need frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingBeardtongue 'Windsor Red' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to the typical humidity found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade; protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon 'Windsor Red' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in late winter or spring, grows into a small seedling. The seedling then develops into a mature plant with a rosette of basal leaves, from which emerge upright flowering stems in late spring or early summer. The vibrant red tubular flowers bloom and are pollinated by bees and other insects, leading to seed formation. After flowering, the plant may go through a period of dormancy, especially in hotter climates or during the winter in temperate zones. If conditions are favorable, Penstemon 'Windsor Red' may exhibit perennial characteristics by surviving through the winter and regrowing the following spring. However, the plant often lives for only a few years before it needs to be replaced, though reseeding or vegetative propagation can extend its presence in the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Penstemon 'Windsor Red', also known as Beardtongue, is through cuttings. This is typically done in late spring through to early summer. To propagate, a gardener would take a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem, making sure to include several nodes. The lower leaves are removed, leaving a few at the top, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone before it is inserted into a moist, well-drained potting mix. The cutting should then be placed in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight to encourage root development. It typically takes a few weeks for the cuttings to root successfully, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
