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How to Prune Foxglove beardtongue?
(Penstemon digitalis)
Foxglove beardtongue, also known as Digitalis penstemon
This perennial is recognized for its tall spires of tubular flowers and lance-shaped foliage. For optimal health and bloom, prune foxglove beardtongue after the first frost to remove spent stalks and encourage next season's growth. Cutting back by a third in early spring promotes bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading during late summer enhances appearance and prevents inadvertent spread by self-seeding. Pruning benefits include disease prevention and rejuvenation of foxglove beardtongue's vigor.
pruning

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Foxglove Beardtongue?

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Foxglove Beardtongue?

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Foxglove Beardtongue?

Hand Pruners
For precise cuts and the ability to shape foxglove beardtongue, a pair of sharp hand pruners is essential. They are ideal for snipping through smaller stems and spent flower spikes to promote new growth.
Pruning Shears
These are suitable for cutting through the thicker stems of foxglove beardtongue without causing damage to the plant. Bypass pruning shears, in particular, make clean cuts that heal quickly.
Gardening Gloves
Protective gloves are necessary to keep the hands safe from thorns or rough plant material while pruning foxglove beardtongue.
Pruning Saw
In case of older, woodier stems that hand pruners cannot handle, a pruning saw can make the job easier, although it's not commonly needed for foxglove beardtongue.

How to Prune Foxglove Beardtongue

Step1: Identify Dead/Damaged Parts
Inspect foxglove beardtongue for dead flowers and damaged stems. Identifying these parts accurately is crucial for proper pruning.
Step2: Sterilize Pruning Tools
Sanitize your pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol before and after trimming to prevent the spread of diseases.
Step3: Prune Dead Flowers
Begin with dead flowers. Cut the flower stalks back to the base of the plant or to a set of leaves, making the cut just above the leaf nodes to encourage new growth.
Step4: Check for Damaged Stems
Examine the plant for damaged stems. Look for any signs of disease, discoloration, or physical damage.
Step5: Cut Damaged Stems Properly
Prune damaged stems by making clean cuts at least 1/4 inch above a set of leaves or side shoots, or back to the base if the damage is extensive.
Step6: Shape Plant Conservatively
Shape foxglove beardtongue if necessary by trimming back overgrown stems using the same method, being careful not to remove more than 1/3 of the plant's growth to preserve its health.
Step7: Clean Up Pruning Debris
After pruning, clean up all trimmings from around foxglove beardtongue to reduce the risk of disease and pests.
Step8: Water Plant Post-Pruning
Water foxglove beardtongue adequately after pruning to help reduce stress on the plant and encourage regrowth.
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Post-Pruning Care for Foxglove Beardtongue

Immediately after pruning foxglove beardtongue, irrigate the soil to aid in recovery, but avoid waterlogging. Provide partial sun to ease stress, maintaining moderate humidity and temperatures of 60-70°F. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support regrowth. Monitor foxglove beardtongue for wilting or discolored leaves, which could indicate distress. If symptoms of infection like rot or mildew appear, treat promptly with suitable fungicides or bactericides, following product guidelines strictly.

Common Pruning Mistakes with Foxglove Beardtongue

Over-Pruning: Avoid removing more than one-third
Cutting Back Too Severely: A common error is removing too much of foxglove beardtongue's foliage, which can stress the plant and reduce its vigor. Pruning more than one-third of the plant at any one time could compromise its health.
Avoid Blunt, Jagged Cuts: Use sharp tools
Incorrect Cuts: Making blunt or jagged cuts on foxglove beardtongue can create entryways for pests and diseases. Using dull tools that crush stems instead of making clean cuts is a frequent misstep.
Prune Dead/Diseased Stems: Prevent disease spread
Ignoring Dead or Diseased Stems: Failure to remove dead or diseased stems can hinder foxglove beardtongue's growth and flowering potential. Not pruning these problem areas can also lead to the spread of disease throughout the plant.

Common Pruning Tips for Foxglove Beardtongue

Sharp Tools: Ensure clean cuts and quick healing
Utilize Sharp Tools: Always use sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors to make clean, precise cuts. This helps ensure quick healing and reduces the chance of disease.
Shape Maintenance: Trim for health and aesthetics
Prune for Shape and Size: Lightly trim foxglove beardtongue to maintain its natural shape and desired size. This helps to encourage bushier growth and can improve the overall appearance and health of the plant.
Deadheading: Promote new blooms and longer blooming
Remove Spent Flowers: Deadhead spent blooms on foxglove beardtongue to encourage new flowers to form. This not only maintains the aesthetic appeal of the plant but can also promote a longer blooming period.
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