| Common Name | Penstemon, Beardtongues |
| Genus | Penstemon |
| Species | hybrid |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Tray Size | 32 |
| Plug Care | Harden off and plant out or bump up into larger pots soon after receiving plugs. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary. |
| Temperature Range | Hardiness Zones 6-9 (likely hardy in zone 5) |
| Spacing | 16-18" |
| Soil Preference | Average fertility, moist but well draining soil is essential. Allow the soil to dry moderately between waterings. The addition of compost and pelleted fertilizer is recommended pre-planting, or regular liquid fertilizer applications through the growing season. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral plants, plant in full sun. |
| Pinching | Do not pinch. |
| When to Plant | Plant in the spring after all threat of frost has passed. Can be planted through the season into late summer/early fall. Plants need some time to establish a root system before the onset of winter weather. |
| Harvesting | Harvest stems when 1/3 of the flowers are open - additional buds will open in the vase. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into cool water. Expect a vase life of approximately one week. The use of a floral preservative will help maximize vase life. |
| Diseases / Insects | Watch for the typical plant pests such as aphids - penstemon are generally pest and disease free. If planted in an area with poor drainage or if mulched too heavily, crown rot can occur. |
| Bailey's Notes | Keep flowers cut or deadheaded to prolong the bloom window. Penstemon typically have a flowering window of a month, but the new and improved hybrids from Terra Nova reportedly bloom continuously from early summer through to frost! |
| Resources | Growing Penstemon |