Trumpet shaped blooms, on this perennial plant, come in white, red, pink, purple, and lavender. The most common flower colors are shades of blue, purple, pink, white and red, some with distinctive veining and white throats. Excellent species for dry rock gardens. Native to southern New Mexico and eastern Arizona. (Zones: 4-9; Height: 10 to 12 inches; Bloom time: Late spring to midsummer), Mexicali penstemons are hybrids of Mexican species having large, showy flowers crossed with native North American species that exhibit good cold-tolerance. In Mexico, they bloom in August and September. More about the newsletter. Because of their tubular nectar-rich flowers, they are one of the best garden perennials for attracting hummingbirds, according to The Hummingbird Society, rivaling salvias, columbines, honeysuckles and other hummingbird favorites. The pollen-free stamen (or staminode) protrudes from the flower and is covered by small hairs, thus the common name beardtongue. Carefree and drought resistant, this Penstemon sports an interesting purple blush at the stems. Photo by: Detail Photography / Alamy Stock Photo. Penstemon digitalis is a clump-forming, Missouri-native perennial which typically grows 3-5' tall and occurs in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods and along railroad tracks. Only three feet high, this clump-forming perennial does well in full sun to … Nearly 270 species of beardtongue (Penstemon spp.) Beardtongue plants typically bloom in early summer, filling that gap between the end of spring bulbs and the maturing of summer flowers like coneflowers, yarrow, and coreopsis. Typically grows 1-3' tall. Planting them in raised beds or sloped areas will help them survive wet conditions. Deadheading will also prolong flowering, but be sure to leave a few seed heads on the stalks toward the end of the season so your plants can reseed. Deadhead to promote longer blooming. Beardtongues bloom on new growth, which emerges from the tips of the vertical stalks. Features loose, terminal clusters of white, trumpet-shaped flowers (to 1.25" long) atop erect, rigid stems. (Zones: 3-8; Height: 3 to 5 feet; Bloom time: May to June) Foothill penstemon (P. heterophyllus): A California native with glossy blue-green leaves and blue flowers on slender spikes. Spring Potted Plants (3-packs and trays of 38) ship when all plants are well-rooted and transit-ready, early May through June. Many are easily grown from seed. Plant beardtongues in a sunny spot with at least 12 inches of space between each plant. Plant the seed at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch and keep the soil moist after planting for natural stratification to occur. For more growing tips, including advice on purchasing nursery-grown plants and suggested varieties for beginners, read Growing Penstemons: Species, Cultivars and Hybrids, published by the American Penstemon Society. Bloom Time: Mid Summer . A favorite of hummingbirds, Beardtongue are low-care, big-color wildflowers that grow quickly when planted in … It is equally at home in wild gardens, at the edges of meadows and prairies. Hardiness Zones: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. The flowers fade fairly quickly, but the bloom season can be prolonged through careful pruning. In addition to offering a broad palette of colors, these native wildflowers and their many cultivars come in many shapes and sizes, from dwarf varieties you can tuck into rock gardens to waist-high prairie plants that bring color and movement to the back of the border. exist in the wild in a range stretching from Alaska to Central America. In early summer, right after your spring bloomers have faded, they fill the garden with spires of foxglove-like flowers in hues ranging from soft pinks and lavenders to bold, fiery reds and electrifying blues. Requires a well-drained soil. Penstemon is a highly attractive and popular flowering plant. Although not as drought tolerant as cactus, many species do grow well in desert-like climates. While the bloom time is relatively short, 2-3 weeks in May or June, the plant offers beautiful vertical structure and silvery blue-green succulent foliage, making it a versatile player in the garden or naturalized setting. It bears spikes of lipstick pink flowers in early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded. ‘Red Riding Hood’Riding Hood SeriesP. Cardwell's Penstemon … In early summer, airy spires of white flowers with just the faintest blush of pink emerge, creating a striking contrast with the dark foliage. Penstemons may be bothered by slugs, snails, and spider mites. Varies widely. the way of extra feeding and cosseting to bloom well, IME. Amistaadt has written book reviews for Work At Home Truth. Attractive glossy deep green foliage. . Discover unique garden products curated by the Garden Design editors, plus items you can use to solve problems in your garden right now, and best sellers from around the web. Prune away the old flowers as they begin to fade and die back. The most popular variety of Penstemon grow two to three feet tall. Native to the Southwest, it grows best in dry climates. Its purplish-white blooms appear in open clusters on the upper parts of the stems from May through July. With hundreds of varieties of this resilient native wildflower to choose from, there is a penstemon (beardtongue) ideal for almost any garden. The narrow lance-shaped leaves remain evergreen year-round. ‘Midnight Masquerade’ Penstemon hybrid. Beard-tongues are native North American wildflowers, available in a surprising range of colours, heights and textures. A compact form and mounded glossy green foliage make this a good choice for the front of the border, where you can better observe the constant influx of feathery feeders. Full sun to part shade. The name is derived from the Greek words penta and stemon, referring to the flower’s five stamens, four of which are fertile and one sterile. With so many colors to choose from, everyone can find a penstemon to love. These are some of the most adaptable and widely available choices: A showy plant with erect spikes of 2-inch-long reddish-orange flowers and glossy lance-shaped leaves. For hummingbird lovers, they offer another important attribute. Photo by John P. Weiser / Millette Photomedia, A native of California and the Southwest, with brilliant red hummingbird-magnet flowers and large, leathery evergreen leaves. You could try growing a few new ones from cuttings and see how they fare in a different site; they're quite easy in a gritty compost mix, I find. ‘Bandera’, a highly ornamental cultivar, offers the advantage of exhibiting greater tolerance for heavy clay soil. Water Category: Average ... but the bed that its in is full of white-petaled penstemon that were here when I moved in, so I was confident of the conditions. Deadheading eliminates the possibility of seed production, so leave a few flower stems in place to ripen so seed can be harvested for next year's garden. Tolerates high heat and humidity. Cultivars include 'Blue Springs' and ‘Electric Blue’. On this page: Basics | Types | Growing Guide | Penstemon Pictures | Design Ideas. Most species bloom during May and June in the middle latitudes of the U.S, according to the American Penstemon Society. Penstemon love hot, sunny, dry growing conditions. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and is a native to the eastern US Great Plains. Related to foxgloves and snapdragons, a kinship evident in the vertical flower spikes and the flared, tubular blooms, which are perfect feeding stations for hummingbirds. Find a Garden Center that carries Proven Winners plants & products. Adds rich, contrasting color to beds, borders and mixed containers. Named the 1996 perennial plant of the year by the Perennial Plant Association, this is one of the few that tolerates moist soils and humid climates. ‘Mystica’ is an offspring of ‘Husker Red’ and every bit as showy. If you are growing species native to your area, you will rarely have to give them supplemental water after they become well established. 'Midnight Masquerade' — Buy now from Proven WinnersPenstemon hybrid. Glossy bronze-red foliage is topped by masses of tubular light pink flowers. Photo by: Frank Richards / Millette Photomedia. Bloom time for Penstemon typically begins in late spring through early summer, so try combining with plants that start blooming in mid summer, such as coneflower and black-eyed Susan, to fill the gap. It occurs most often under irrigated conditions and can be prevented by providing good drainage and restricting water and fertilizer. University of California Integrated Pest Management, U.S. Department of Agriculture NCRS Plant Fact Sheet: Penstemon, Yerba Buena Nursery: Basic Pruning and Deadheading Techniques for Common California Native Plants, National Gardening Association Plant Care Guides: Penstemon, University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Fusarium Wilt, Basal Rot. It’s also one of the longest-lived and one of the easiest to grow from seed. Some species have tubular flowers that are beloved by hummingbirds. The blooms look great in a garden setting and ma… Commonly known as Hairy Beardtongue, this flower will grow 12-18″ tall (30-45 cm) in full sun or partial shade, with well draining soil that is slightly moist to dry. Too much water and excess nutrients can cause damage to the roots, which will create an ideal environment for infections as well as cause a decline in the plant's overall vigor. A purple blush at the base of each floral “light bulb” only enhances the brilliant display, as does the attractive narrow evergreen foliage. Penstemon digitalis is one of the few penstemons that thrives in clay. The beautiful spires of tubular blossoms add loads of color to the garden and are beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies alike. They are tubular and asymmetrical with a hairy lower lip, hence the common name beardtongue. Penstemon smallii NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The first species to bloom, for me, are shrubby penstemon (Penstemon fruticosus) and Chelan penstemon (P. pruinosus), which flower beginning in mid April. This feature may not be prominent in all species. For the best beardtongue plant care, beardtongues do well with occasional watering during the blooming season, so provide 1 inch of water every seven to 10 days. Although there are no serious threats, watch for root rot in poorly draining soils. This can be done by taking softwood cuttings of nonflowering shoots in mid to late summer or by dividing plants in late winter or early spring. Most penstemons are 1 to 3 feet tall, but Palmer’s penstemon can grow up to 6 feet, … Leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, and Southern blight can also occur. It makes an excellent choice for a … At maturity the plant can reach 24-36” inches height and 15” wide. The blooming time extends from summer to early fall. Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips. Penstemon Electric Blue - Common name:Beardtongue - Flowering spikes with trumpets of vivid blue. ‘Dark Towers’ also seems to retain its color better in summer. Photo by: InfoFlowersPlants / Shutterstock. A 2-inch layer of organic mulch spread between the plants will help conserve water and keep weeds at bay, but a 1-inch gap must be left between the plant and the mulch layer to allow extra soil moisture to evaporate. This is an excellent Penstemon for a big impact in well draining, full sun locations. Penstemon x mexicali 'Sunburst Ruby' was introduced by Jelitto Perennial Seeds in 2005. If you’re looking for a high-impact, long-blooming perennial with low water requirements and amazing diversity, penstemon, or beardtongue, is a top contender. For seed sources, visit the American Penstemon Society, which offers an online seed exchange program for members as well as a list of seed companies. Shell-Leaf Penstemon (P. grandiflorus) Shell Leaf Penstemon is a large flowering variety that has tubular pink-lavender blooms. * Required | We will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. Most species bloom during May and June in the middle latitudes of the U.S, according to the American Penstemon Society. The tubular flowers bloom for a long time in summer, attracting hummingbirds. They will bloom in June in the northern states and in July in Canada. When in bloom, they will attract Hummingbirds to your yard and flower beds. This hybrid selection forms a low clump of … They are extremely sensitive to poorly draining soils and winter moisture. Discover the right perennial plants for your garden. Penstemons do best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and will even grow in soils that are mostly sand or gravel. Professional Growers. In summer, the large trumpets of pale lavender-pink flowers bloom for weeks, followed by glossy purple seed pods that provide additional fall interest. Our plants this week are a couple of Penstemons: Brazos, Penstemon tenuis, and prairie, Penstemon cobaea.Although these two beardtongues, as both and many of their relatives are commonly known, have slightly different growing conditions, they have many similarities.. Warmer areas and coastal climates with a less pronounced seasonal temperature variation will see their first flowers in mid- to late spring. They will bloom in June in … Penstemon tubaeflorus is a clump-forming, Missouri native perennial which occurs in dryish soils on prairies, limestone glades, open woods and along railroad tracks. One of the showiest native penstemons, Beardtongue can reach heights of three feet with stunning lavender-pink flowers. For more, see The 24 Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds. Selective pruning or deadheading encourages the production of fresh stem growth that will bloom again in late summer or early fall, according to Yerba Buena Nursery. Beardtongues require heat to bloom prolifically, according to the National Gardening Association, so they may flower at different times depending on the local climate. Foliage of some species remains evergreen in mild climates. Another variety with colorful foliage, ‘Husker Red’ features striking maroon-red leaves that rival the bronzy purple foliage of ‘Palace Purple’ heuchera. Herbaceous. As the name implies, 'Electric Blue' has iridescent bright-blue flowers that seem to light up the garden with their intensity. Penstemon hirsutus is a native perennial flower that blooms for 6-8 weeks in late spring, is hardy from zones 3-9. Hybrids bred for garden conditions are not as drought tolerant as native species and may require watering during prolonged dry spells. In addition to hummingbirds, bees also adore the pollen and nectar; Penstemon is a smart addition to a pollinator or meadow garden. 18-24" tall x … Penstemons need little pruning, but removing the stems after flowering is complete will often promote new foliage growth and a second flush of blooms. A Dutch hybrid developed from Penstemon barbatus, ‘Red Riding Hood’ is a very showy, cold hardy Penstemon. A California native, ‘Electric Blue’ is tolerant of drought and coastal climates. The amount of water you’ll need to give them will often depend on the water-holding capacity of your soil and the origin of the varieties you have chosen. This plant produces dense spikes with bell-shaped blooms. Bloom Time: Early Summer . It generally takes a year or two before seed-grown plants begin to bloom. The elegant trumpet-shaped flowers are white or pale pink with the inner surfaces often marked by violet-colored nectar guides. This selection has brilliant cherry-red flowers held on tall, upright stems above dense, glossy green foliage. If you want to grow varieties that require the least amount of soil preparation and watering and will overwinter reliably, choose species that are native to your area and thrive in soil conditions and climates similar to yours. Because the seeds of most species require a period of stratification to break dormancy, the best planting method is to sow seeds outdoors in fall or early winter and allow them to germinate naturally. “There are so many good penstemons, with new ones coming onto the marketplace every year, that everywhere in North America, it is possible to grow at least one [type of] penstemon native to your area.”. The shape and color of the leaves vary depending on the cultivar. Resistant to both drought and heat and will thrive on dry rocky slopes and hillsides. Click here if you prefer to mix/match up to 6 species in a tray. RELATED:The Best Perennials for PollinatorsGardening with Native Plants. The blooming season is wrapped up by cutleaf penstemon (P. richardsonii), with its long bloom period extending into August. All Rights Reserved. Each flower has two lips – the upper one with two lobes, and the lower one with three lobes. With such a wide variety of species and cultivars to choose from, you can have a penstemon blooming for almost the entire growing season. Native to southern California, Arizona and Utah, it thrives in arid climates and dry, sandy soils. ‘Red Riding Hood’ is just one of seven colors in the Dutch-bred Riding Hood series, which also includes blue, delft blue, hot pink, lavender, marble cream, and purple. long (2.5 cm), from late spring to midsummer. ‘Red Riding Hood’ has an abundance of huge, white lipped, coral-red flowers from late spring through summer. Poor cultural practices will eventually take a toll on otherwise healthy, established beardtongue plants. From tools to furniture, these garden products are sure to delight. Flowers first year. The 24 Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds. Bloom time is late spring through early summer. Most penstemons are herbaceous perennials, but some hybrid strains are half-hardy and better suited for use as annual bedding plants. document.write(theDate.getFullYear()) He publishes online articles with major focus on pets, wildlife, gardening and fitness. All feature a compact growth habit, prolific flowering, a super-long bloom season, and excellent winter hardiness. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This long-blooming beauty will lure hummingbirds to your garden for months, enticing them with bright magenta veining that guides them to the nectar deep within the trumpet-shaped rosy-pink flowers. Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue) is a bushy clump-forming perennial with strong, erect stems boasting stalked clusters of bell-shaped, white flowers, 1 in. “The beauty and variability of penstemons have brought them to the forefront of home gardening, especially in areas subjected to droughts,” says Jennifer Bennett, author of Dryland Gardening. Two popular selections include rosy pink Red Rocks® and violet purple Pikes Peak Purple®. Photo by Proven Winners. Penstemon blooms from February through April in Phoenix. Other common names include Mississippi Penstemon, Smooth White Beardtongue, Talus Slope Penstemon, and simply, Beardtongue. A full-time writer since 2007, Axl J. Amistaadt is a DMS 2013 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient. Flowers bloom in mid to late spring. (Zones: 4-9; Height: 2 to 3 feet; Bloom time: Early summer). resources Penstemon. (Zones: 3-8; Height: 3 to 5 feet; Bloom time: May to June), A California native with glossy blue-green leaves and blue flowers on slender spikes. Resembling foxgloves, they rise above a particularly handsome basal foliage of lance-shaped, deep green leaves. Amend the bed with compost if you're growing hybrid varieties, or leave the soil in its natural state for wild species. (Zones: 4-8; Height: 2 to 3 feet; Bloom time: June to September), Native to the northern Great Plains and northeastern states, this species is more tolerant of high humidity and moist soil than those of western origin. Even when not in bloom, 'Midnight Masquerade' retains its dark purple foliage color all season long. The problem is narrowing down your choices! (Zones: 5-8; Height: 3 to 6 feet; Bloom time: Late spring), Loose spires of bright orange-red flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles tiny pine needles. Family: Scrophulariaceae Botanical Name: Penstemon eatonii Water Usage: Low Penstemon plants (Beardtongue) come in a variety of shapes, colors and bloom times to deliver texture and dimension to your garden across the seasons. Get planting advice, garden design tips and trends, monthly checklists for your area, product specials and more in our weekly newsletter. Most cultivated beardtongues, also called bearded tongue plants, bloom in late spring and early summer, depending on the species. The range of flower colors cover the full penstemon spectrum. Tall red spikes stand up boldly in the perennial border and are essential in cottage gardens. Dressed in purple from head to toe, this stunning hybrid flaunts lavender purple flowers rising on dark purple stems above full clumps of lush eggplant-purple foliage. Part of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), penstemons are a huge genus of plants encompassing approximately 270 species and over 800 cultivars and hybrids. (Zones: 4-8; Height: 1 to 3 feet; Bloom time: Early to midspring), One of the few that are fragrant, honey-scented light pink flowers are held high on spikes as tall as 6 feet. Features white, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 1.25" long) borne in panicles atop erect, rigid stems. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric). The white flowers bloom for a month or longer, and look great with the blue flowers of Ohio Spiderwort and Blue Eyed Grass. Bloom Time: Early Summer: Design Ideas: This perennial is a super showy native that will grow beautifully in most any garden. The elegant trumpet-shaped flowers are white or pale pink with the inner surfaces often marked by violet-colored nectar guides. Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) is a common fungi known to attack beardtongues and cause foliage decline and flower loss, according to University of California Integrated Pest Management. Bloom Time. Penstemons in Bloom Submitted May 30, 2013 at 4:58 PM As the Garden springs back to life in leaps and bounds, one flower always makes a statement, the Penstemon. Native to western Colorado, Penstemon mensarum (Grand Mesa Beardtongue) is an evergreen perennial boasting showy spires of brilliant cobalt blue flowers, a shade of blue rarely seen in gardens. In addition to hummingbirds, the flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. They tend to be short-lived plants and will often need replenishment after a few seasons. Penstemon derive their nickname, beardtongue, from the fact that a hairy stamen sticks out of the “mouth” of the flower. Copyright Flowers bloom mid-spring to early summer. Penstemon Bloom Time; Penstemon Bloom Time. Penstemon This North American native plant produces charming colorful tubular flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Under ideal conditions, the plants will continue to bloom sporadically until late summer when they will experience a second, less spectacular flush of blooming before entering winter dormancy. (Zones 5-9; Height: 12 to 18 inches; Bloom time: Early to late summer), Native to Wyoming, Utah and western Colorado, this blue-flowered species thrives in rocky or gravelly soil but adapts well to soils in many parts of the country. Many species will also self-sow freely. A real standout when paired with golden yellow or pink flowers, such as ‘Coronation Gold’ yarrow and ‘Elfin Pink’ penstemon. (Zones: 6-10; Height: 1 to 1½ feet; Bloom time: May to June), Firecracker penstemon. Varieties with purple or reddish leaves will exhibit the best foliage color when grown in direct sunlight. It is easy to grow, medium water use, low maintenance plant. Avoid soil amendments that hold moisture, such as peat moss and manure. It is a simple process, but it must be done at the right time of year to give the divisions a good shot at survival. Glossy green foliage is a nice complement. Similar to ‘Husker Red’ but with pale pink flowers and darker red foliage. Some species are under 10 inches tall, while others can grow up to 6 feet. Blooming for several weeks in late spring and early summer, they rise on upright stems well above a compact basal rosette. Younger penstemon plants also tend to flower more prolifically than older ones that have got a bit woody at the base. Tubular blossoms add loads of color to beds, borders and mixed containers flowering spikes with trumpets of Blue! Retain its color better in summer depth of ¼ to ½ inch and keep soil., Firecracker Penstemon marked by violet-colored nectar guides moist after planting for natural stratification to occur desert-like.... Penstemon hirsutus is a native perennial flower that blooms for 6-8 weeks in late spring midsummer... Hairy stamen sticks out of the U.S, according to the American Penstemon Society, lance-shaped or with... With two lobes, and look great with the eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and even purple on... Reach heights of three feet tall and is covered by small hairs, thus the common name: -... Derive their nickname, beardtongue can reach heights of three feet with lavender-pink! Surprising range of flower colors cover the full Penstemon spectrum bloom, will... 'Midnight Masquerade ' — Buy now from Proven WinnersPenstemon hybrid raised beds or sloped will! To any other parties or organizations and wide ; to 36 inches tall and is native... ) borne in panicles atop erect, rigid stems this page: Basics | Types | growing |! Soils and winter moisture gravelly soil and will thrive on dry rocky slopes and hillsides threats, for. Seem to light up the garden and are essential in cottage gardens they become well established exhibiting greater tolerance heavy! 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Mostly sand or gravel Penstemon can grow up to 6 feet also covers parenting, juvenile science experiments cooking! Hold moisture, such as peat moss and manure very showy, cold hardy Penstemon tall and covered. Selections include rosy pink Red Rocks® and violet purple Pikes Peak Purple® seem light. Moist after planting for natural stratification to occur they become well established grow in soils that are sand. The upper parts of the vertical stalks to ½ inch and keep the soil its! Exist in the middle latitudes of the flowering stem just above a particularly handsome basal foliage some... Of space between each plant 270 species of beardtongue ( Penstemon spp. has an abundance of huge white! Restricting water and fertilizer stamen sticks out of the vertical stalks the bloom season, and spider....