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Beard-tongue! What an unattractive name for a very attractive flower. Beard-tongue is the common name for penstemon (pehn-STEE-muhn or pen-STE-mon). There are approximately 250 species of penstemon. Most of them are native to North America and most of them are perennials in our area. They have spear- shaped leaves growing at the base of the plant. These basal leaves are evergreen or semi-evergreen in many species
The flower stems arise from the basal leaves. The flowers are tubular or funnel shaped, just perfect for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The flowers may be tiny or fairly large and usually have hairy throats. Colors range from white, soft pink, hot pink, blue, purple, magenta and red, many with iridescent shadings of purple, blue or pink. Sometimes their throats are a contrasting white with little dark stripes. The flowers last a long time in the garden and some species may bloom until fall if the stems are consistently cut back after flowering.
Penstemons are great for flower arrangers. The blooms can last for 10 days or more. They don't drop many flowers or make litter. The straight stems work for the vertical aspects of your arrangements and the curved stems provide the sweeping curves. Some experts indicate that the cut stems should be seared with a candle before arranging.
Western region gardeners are lucky because we have such a large variety of native and hybrid penstemons that do well here. Some types are very suitable for flower beds and perennial borders. They fit well into the back or middle of flower gardens as they are tall and showy. These penstemons look best in masses and should be given their own space where they make a wonderful display. Other species are best suited for rock garden situations and don't do well in a perennial border where taller plants grow over them or may crowd them out. Their flowers are better suited to closer viewing where they can be admired. For a hot, dry and sunny place, there are many penstemons that are just right.
Diseases that can affect these easy-care perennials are powdery mildew, rust, leaf spots and blight. Slugs and snails can be troublesome on young plants. Aphids can also present an occasional problem on some hybrids. The care of penstemons is not difficult. Just make sure they are placed in a spot that is appropriate for the type. Most penstemons enjoy full sun but a few like some shade in the afternoon. Penstemons like well-drained soil of average fertility and can't stand having "wet feet". Some of the more drought tolerant types prefer gritty soil of poor fertility with sharp drainage. Penstemons also dislike being crowded by other plants and need room to show their best features. Although some penstemons are short-lived perennials, one common cause for a penstemon to just "disappear" is an over-crowded garden. If they are placed in a spot with the proper conditions, they should put on a great show.
Some people are so crazy about penstemons that they have entire gardens of nothing but penstemons, with the blooming timed to last all season. They can't wait to get their hands on new hybrids or rare species. These people are called "Penstemaniacs". If they could change the common name Beard-tongue, penstemons might be called delightful, delectable, wonderful and perfect.
For additional information about penstemons:
The Internet lists over 1,000 sites;
Contact the President of the American Penstemon Society, Dale Lindgren, West Central Research Center, Route 4 Box 46A, North Platte NE 69101, for Information about becoming a member and joining the seed swap. Visit the W. D. Holley Plant Environmental Research Center (PERC), 630 West Lake Street in Fort Collins, where several penstemons are growing and blooming. Shop at local nurseries and garden centers for the following Plant Select varieties: Penstemon x mexicalli 'Red Rocks' and "Pikes Peak Purple' (1999 Plant Select picks), P. grandiflorus 'Prairie Jewel (2000 Plant Select pick) and P. digitalis 'Husker Red', 1996 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Q: I am always being told that I should not water my vegetables and roses at night because it is not good for them. What happens to them when it rains at night?
A: We can't control what Mother Nature decides to do. But we can control when we do our watering. Most of the moisture for our plants comes from our irrigation efforts. Moisture left on the foliage overnight can create the right conditions for some diseases. It makes sense to supply the water early in the day when the moisture on the leaves is more likely to evaporate.
Q: I have a daylily that is about five years old. It is very big and has always had beautiful blooms. This year, it does not have as many blooms as usual. What is wrong?
A. Many perennials must be divided after a number of years growing.
Daylilies should be divided every three to five years. This can be done
when the plant is through blooming, preferably in the fall. If the
plant is really big, it will take two people with digging forks or shovels
to get it out of the ground. Divide the clump any way that seems to work.
You can put two digging forks back-to-back and pry the clump apart or you
can use a sharp knife to cut the fleshy roots apart. Divide it into pieces,
each with a nice-sized section of roots and sword-like foliage. Don't divide
the clump into too many pieces as it will take them a long time before
they bloom. Just get some good pieces and you will be able to have a few
new daylilies to plant or to give away.
Keep a garden journal this year. Write down what worked and what didn’t. Keep track of your successes and failures. Don’t’ make the same mistake next year.
Be careful when you are working in your vegetable garden. Try not to damage the plants in any way. Insects and disease can gain access through an injury to the plants.
Drip systems and soaker hoses are the most efficient way to irrigate most plants and use less water than overhead watering. If you must use overhead watering, water in the morning to prevent disease of your plants and to conserve water.
A birdbath will invite birds into your yard to help control insects and provide house of bird-watching. A clean birdbath with fresh water will keep them coming back.
The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
Fact Sheets are available at the Larimer County Extension Office, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado, telephone (970) 498-6000, or contact us by e-mail at larimer@coop.ext.colostate.edu
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