Penstemons, commonly known as beardtongues, are stunning perennials known for their tubular flowers and vibrant colours. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to ensure the successful establishment of your penstemon plants:

 

Site Selection

Sunlight: Penstemons thrive in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering.

Soil Type: Plant penstemons in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

 

Planting Time

Spring or Autumn: Plant penstemons in the spring after the last frost or in the autumn before the first frost. These seasons allow the plants to establish roots without the stress of extreme temperatures.

 

Planting Process

Prepare the Soil: Work the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches, incorporating organic matter like compost. This improves drainage and provides essential nutrients.

Planting Depth: Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball. Place the penstemon at the same depth it was in the nursery container, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.

Spacing: Space penstemons according to the specific variety, usually 12 to 24 inches apart, to allow for proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

 

Watering

Initial Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system.

 

Mulching

Mulch Application: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the penstemon to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the base of the plant to prevent rot.

 

Fertilisation

Spring Fertilisation: In early spring, apply a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser. Follow package instructions for the appropriate dosage.

 

Support Structures

Staking: Tall or heavy-flowered penstemon varieties may benefit from staking to prevent bending or breaking. Install stakes early in the growing season.

 

Pruning

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. In late autumn or early spring, cut back the stems to maintain a compact and tidy appearance.

 

Pest and Disease Management

Vigilant Monitoring: Regularly inspect penstemons for pests such as aphids or diseases like powdery mildew. Treat promptly with insecticidal soap or fungicides if needed.

 

Winter Care

Mulching in Winter: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of penstemons in late autumn to protect the roots from winter temperature fluctuations.

 

Division (Every Few Years):

Rejuvenation: Divide mature penstemon plants every 3-4 years to promote vigour and prevent overcrowding. Divide in the spring when new growth begins.

 

Enjoy the Blooms

Blooming Season: Penstemons typically bloom from late spring to early autumn, providing a spectacular display of tubular flowers. Enjoy the vibrant colours and unique beauty they bring to your garden.

 

By following these guidelines, you’ll help your penstemons thrive and adorn your garden with their charming blooms. Customise care based on the specific penstemon variety you have and enjoy the rewards of a flourishing garden.

Penstemons, known for their vibrant blooms and easy care, continue to thrive with proper aftercare. Follow these guidelines to ensure the long-term health and beauty of your penstemon plants:

 

Watering

Established Plants: Once penstemons are established (after the first growing season), they are relatively drought tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering to prevent root rot.

Extended Dry Periods: During prolonged dry periods, provide supplemental watering. Water at the base of the plant in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day, reducing the risk of diseases.

 

Mulching

Yearly Mulching: Renew the mulch layer around penstemons in the spring. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

 

Fertilisation

Spring Fertilisation: In early spring, apply a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser to promote healthy growth. Follow package instructions for the appropriate dosage and avoid excessive fertilisation.

 

Pruning

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage prolonged blooming and prevent self-seeding. Deadheading also directs energy back into the plant for stronger growth.

End-of-Season Pruning: In late autumn or early spring, cut back the stems to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune to the basal rosette or above new growth.

 

Pest and Disease Management

Vigilant Monitoring: Regularly inspect penstemons for pests, including aphids or spider mites. Address pest issues promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Disease Control: Watch for signs of diseases such as powdery mildew. Provide good air circulation and treat with fungicides if necessary.

 

Winter Care

Mulching for Winter: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of penstemons in late autumn to insulate the roots and protect them from temperature fluctuations.

 

Support Structures

Stake Maintenance: If you’ve staked tall or heavy-flowered varieties, check the stakes for stability. Adjust or replace as needed to prevent bending or breaking during wind or heavy rain.

 

Division (Every Few Years)

Rejuvenation: Divide mature penstemon plants every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and encourage vigorous growth. Divide in the spring when new growth emerges.

 

Disease Prevention

Sanitation: Keep the garden area clean and free of debris. Remove and dispose of any diseased or pest-infested plant material to prevent the spread of problems.

 

Enjoying the Garden

Observation: Regularly observe your penstemon plants for changes in growth, flowering patterns, or signs of stress. Adjust care practices accordingly.

 

By following this aftercare guide, you’ll support the ongoing health and vitality of your penstemon plants. Tailor your care routine based on the specific penstemon variety and local growing conditions for the best results.

While we provide guidance on caring for penstemon plants, it’s essential to acknowledge that certain factors, such as extreme weather conditions, are beyond our control. Unpredictable events, including severe frost, prolonged heatwaves, exceptionally high winds, or heavy rainfall, can impact the health of your penstemon plants.

 

Our Advice

Weather Monitoring: Stay vigilant and monitor local weather forecasts regularly. Extreme conditions may necessitate additional protective measures for your penstemons.

Protective Measures: During periods of extreme weather, consider implementing protective measures, such as providing temporary shading during intense heat or covering plants during unexpected frost.

Aftermath Assessment: Following extreme weather events, assess the condition of your penstemons. If damage occurs, follow appropriate care steps, including pruning damaged parts and adjusting watering routines.

 

Limitations

Natural Variables: Penstemons, like any living organism, are influenced by natural variables. Extreme weather events are inherent risks that may impact plant health despite best care practices.

No Guarantee: Due to the unpredictable nature of extreme weather, we cannot guarantee the outcome of your penstemon’s response to such conditions. Plants may exhibit stress or damage beyond our control.

 

Your Responsibility

Preventive Measures: We encourage you to take proactive measures based on weather forecasts and to implement protective strategies to minimise potential harm during extreme weather.

Adaptation: Recognise that penstemons, while resilient, may respond differently to various weather conditions. Adapt care practices accordingly and be prepared to address any adverse effects.

 

Contact Us

If you have specific concerns or questions related to extreme weather impacts on your penstemons, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to offer guidance and support within the scope of our expertise.

 

Email: info@proctorsnursery.co.uk

 

Note: This disclaimer serves to acknowledge the unpredictability of extreme weather events and the associated risks to penstemon plants. Your understanding and proactive care are crucial to ensuring the well-being of your garden.