Penstemon - PictureThis

Penstemon

Penstemon attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The shape of the flower is perfect for long-beaked birds. Their tolerance of drought also makes them good options in areas where irrigation is not frequent. The largest collection of penstemon can be seen at the Arboretum at Flagstaff, Arizona, and they grow well in the southwestern climate.

Scientific classification

Genus

Penstemon (Penstemon)

Family

Plantain

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Images of Penstemon

Species

Foxglove beardtongue Beardlip penstemon Bellflower beardtongue Rocky mountain penstemon Eastern gray beardtongue Eastern smooth beardtongue Pride of the mountain Serrulate penstemon Bunchleaf Penstemon Wasatch Penstemon Hairy Beardtongue Firecracker penstemon Palmer's penstemon Parry's penstemon Showy Penstemon Wild Foxglove Large beardtongue Mountain pride Davidson's penstemon Royal penstemon Small-flower penstemon Bridge penstemon Rydberg's penstemon Scarlet bugler Scabland penstemon Venus penstemon Utah penstemon Whipple's penstemon Bush penstemon Pineneedle beardtongue Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis Sharpsepal beardtongue Beardtongues 'Stapleford Gem'Beardtongues 'Sour Grapes'Beardtongues 'Hidcote Pink'Beardtongues 'Pensham Laura'Beardtongues 'Apple Blossom'Hartweg's beardtongue 'Arabesque Appleblossom'Beardtongues 'Maurice Gibbs'Foothill penstemon 'Catherine de la Mare'Bellflower beardtongue 'Garnet'Bellflower beardtongue 'Evelyn'Beardtongues 'George Home'Beardtongues 'Beech Park'Hartweg's beardtongue 'Arabesque Red'Beardtongues 'Garnet'Beardtongues 'Firebird'Beardtongues 'Pike's Peak Purple'Beardtongues 'Chester Scarlet'Beardtongues 'Hewell Pink Bedder'Pineneedle beardtongue 'Wisley Flame'Beardtongues 'Pensham Plum Jerkum'Beardtongues 'Osprey'Beardtongues 'Rich Ruby'Foothill penstemon 'Blue Spring'Foothill penstemon 'Margarita BOP'Foxglove beardtongue 'Husker Red'

Quickly Identify Penstemon

Statuesque height commands attention.

Striking maroon foliage sets it apart.

Delicate pink blooms contrast with leaves.

Multiple hybrids with diverse resilience.

Cautious winter protection recommended.

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Care Guide for Penstemon

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Penstemon thrives in moderate moisture, tolerating short dry spells but prefers balanced watering. For optimal growth, water penstemon weekly, especially during its blooming season to maximize flowering potential.

Propagation: Penstemon can be propagated via seed sowing, softwood cuttings, or division, requiring bright, indirect light, moderate temperatures, and well-draining soil. Cuttings involve selecting a stem, applying rooting hormone, and maintaining humidity. Seeds need light and moisture, with stratification for spring sowing.

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Learn More About Penstemon

How to Grow and Care

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