Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, is a perennial plant admired for its tall spikes of tubular flowers and slender, lance-shaped leaves. With its vibrant blossoms in hues ranging from purples and pinks to white and reds. Penstemon adds a burst of colour and texture to your garden. These hardy plants are a wonderful choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators and enjoy long-lasting blooms in their outdoor space.
Planting Calendar
Penstemons can be planted from spring and into autumn.
Harvest In
Penstemon flower from late Spring and into Summer.
Prepare
Penstemon plants are primarily native to North America, with the highest diversity of species found in the western United States. Delightful Penstemons are a herbaceous perennial that flowers from spring and into summer. Adorned with spikes of trumpet shaped flowers coming in a range of colours, usually with white or patterned throats. There is a penstemon to suit many gardens styles, they look greet when planted on mass, mixed in perennial boarders, in rockeries, baskets or containers.
Position
Penstemon require full sun to light shade for optimal flowering.
Soil
When planted into the ground Penstemon prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil
Pollination
Flowers are pollinated by bees.
Plant
When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health
Protecting
Protect from frost in winter.
Spraying
If pests such as aphid are a problem spray with BioNeem.
Pruning
Deadheading (the removal of old flowers) will prolong flowering and create a denser bushier clump.
Expert Tip
Penstemon clumps need lifting and dividing around every three to four years and this is best done just as they are putting on their new growth in spring. You can also do it in autumn if you live in a frost-free area. Lift the entire clump out of the ground and gradually split it up. You can force it apart by placing two forks back to back and exerting some force or you can just use a spade to chop it up into sections if that is easier. Discard any old or dead growth, which is normally in the centre of the plant and replant the healthy sections. It is possible to get quite a lot of plants from one established clump. Stems that have been on the ground will also often sprout roots and these can be replanted too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Penstemon?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods.
When is the best time to plant Penstemon?
The best time to plant Penstemon is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild, allowing the plant to establish roots before the extremes of summer or winter.
Are Penstemon prone to any pests or diseases?
Penstemon are generally pest-free but can occasionally suffer from aphids or spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
When should I fertilise Penstemon?
Penstemon do not require heavy feeding. A light application of a balanced fertiliser in early spring and again in midsummer is usually sufficient.
What type of soil is best for Penstemon?
When planted into the ground Penstemon prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil