How to Prune Eastern smooth beardtongue?

(Penstemon laevigatus)

Eastern smooth beardtongue, also known as Smooth beardtongue, Eastern Smooth Penstemon, Hairy Penstemon

A perennial with tubular flowers and lance-shaped foliage, eastern smooth beardtongue benefits from deadheading after its initial bloom to encourage a second flowering and to maintain its tidy appearance. Optimal pruning occurs in late spring or early summer. Cutting back spent flower stems to the basal foliage promotes vigor and may prevent self-seeding. Avoid heavy pruning in fall to protect the new buds set for next season. Pruning is vital for plant health and aesthetic form.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Eastern Smooth Beardtongue?

Pruning eastern smooth beardtongue encourages new growth and maintenance of its shape, resulting in a more compact and robust plant. Strategic cuts can invigorate eastern smooth beardtongue, leading to vigorous growth and a visually appealing form.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Eastern Smooth Beardtongue?

Spring

Summer

During late spring and early summer, eastern smooth beardtongue enters a period of active growth after the threat of frost has passed, making this the best time for pruning. Pruning during this period encourages healthy growth and vigorous flowering, as the plant is emerging from dormancy and beginning to put out new shoots. Pruning before the new growth starts in earnest can result in the loss of potential flowers, as eastern smooth beardtongue blooms on the current year's growth. Summer pruning after flowering can help shape the plant and remove spent flower spikes, promoting a more compact form and possibly a second, though lighter, bloom period. Avoid pruning in late summer, fall, or winter, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before the onset of cold weather, leading to frost damage.

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Eastern Smooth Beardtongue?

Bypass pruners

Ideal for making clean and precise cuts on eastern smooth beardtongue's stems, bypass pruners are designed for cutting live plant material without crushing delicate tissues. Eastern smooth beardtongue has relatively soft stems, so the sharp, scissor-like action of bypass pruners provides a healthy cut that promotes good plant health.

Gardening gloves

Protective gloves are a crucial tool when handling eastern smooth beardtongue, as they protect the gardener's hands from scratches and ensure a firm grip on the pruning tool. Additionally, gloves keep the hands clean and prevent the transmission of pests or diseases between plants.

Garden shears

For shaping and trimming the broader sections of eastern smooth beardtongue, garden shears are efficient. They are particularly useful during the active growing season of eastern smooth beardtongue when maintaining the desired shape and controlling the size is necessary.

Pruning saw

In cases where eastern smooth beardtongue has developed thicker woody stems or is an older specimen, a small pruning saw may be necessary. It allows the gardener to remove larger stems without damage to the surrounding plant tissue.

How to Prune Eastern Smooth Beardtongue

Deadheading

Identify the spent blooms on eastern smooth beardtongue that are wilting and no longer visually appealing. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, snip the flower stems just above the first set of healthy leaves below the dead flowers. This encourages eastern smooth beardtongue to produce more blooms and maintains its attractive appearance.

Stem trimming

Examine eastern smooth beardtongue for any damaged or diseased stems. Look for stems that are broken, discolored, or showing signs of rot or pest damage.

Clean cut

Using sterilized pruning shears, make a clean cut to remove the damaged stems. Cut just above a leaf node or a lateral shoot where healthy growth is present. Ensure the cut is clean and angled to prevent water from accumulating on the cut surface and to promote quick healing.

Disposal

Carefully collect and dispose of all dead flowers and damaged stem material removed from eastern smooth beardtongue. Do not leave debris around the plant base as it may harbor pests or diseases that can affect eastern smooth beardtongue.

Wound inspection

After pruning, inspect the cuts on eastern smooth beardtongue for any signs of fraying or tearing. Smooth out any jagged edges with your pruning shears to prevent disease entry and promote faster healing.

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Common Pruning Mistakes with Eastern Smooth Beardtongue

Over-pruning

Removing too much foliage from eastern smooth beardtongue can weaken the plant, reduce its blooms, and make it more susceptible to diseases.

Cutting into old wood

Pruning eastern smooth beardtongue into the old, woody stems may prevent new growth as this plant typically responds best to cuts made in the green, newer growth.

Improper tool use

Using dull or unclean pruning tools can cause jagged cuts that make eastern smooth beardtongue susceptible to pests and diseases.

Pruning at wrong angle

Incorrectly angled cuts can create a larger wound surface on eastern smooth beardtongue, hindering healing and increasing the risk of disease entry.

Neglecting to deadhead

Failing to remove spent flowers, a process known as deadheading, can reduce the vigor and blooming potential of eastern smooth beardtongue.

Ignoring plant shape

Cutting without considering the natural shape of eastern smooth beardtongue can lead to an unbalanced, unattractive form.

Excessive caution

Not pruning at all or being overly cautious can lead to a leggy and sparse eastern smooth beardtongue, diminishing its ornamental value.

Common Pruning Tips for Eastern Smooth Beardtongue

Choose correct time

Pruning eastern smooth beardtongue after flowering encourages new growth and increases the chances of a robust bloom cycle for the following season.

Focus on dead or weak stems

Prioritize removing dead, dying, or weak stems to improve air circulation and overall health of eastern smooth beardtongue.

Use sharp tools

Always use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts on eastern smooth beardtongue that will heal quickly and resist disease.

Cut at appropriate angle

Make cuts on eastern smooth beardtongue at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud, to promote healthy regrowth.

Deadhead regularly

Remove spent blooms of eastern smooth beardtongue frequently to encourage repeated blooming throughout the growing season.

Maintain natural form

When shaping eastern smooth beardtongue, follow its natural growth pattern to maintain an appealing aesthetic.

Balanced thinning

Thin out crowded areas on eastern smooth beardtongue to promote light penetration and air circulation, enhancing the plant's vigor.

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