Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, is a genus of more than 200 species in the family Plantaginaceae, native to North America.
Penstemon produces attractive spikes of tubular or funnel-shaped flowers. The bright, nectar-rich flowers are usually showy and five-petalled. Penstemons are attractive in the garden and have a long season of bloom. They will attract bees, butterflies, moths, flies and hummingbirds to your garden!
Name meaning
The scientific name “Penstemon” was derived from the Greek words “penta” (“five”) and “stemon” (“stamen”), due to the fact that one of the five stamens is sterile and visually distinctive from the others.
The common name “Beardtongue” comes from the long and hairy stamen which looks like a tongue located in the center of the lip-shaped flowers.
Penstemon symbolism
Penstemon represents courage and spiritual knowledge.
Interesting facts about Penstemon
American Penstemon Society
The American Penstemon Society is an organization formed in 1946 by a group of gardeners to promote knowledge about Penstemons, their introduction into cultivation, and the development of new and improved cultivars. The members are also active in hybridizing and selecting superior forms for gardens.
Benefits and Uses
Penstemons have been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans as one of their medicinal plants.
They treated toothaches by chewing the root pulp of this plant and then placing it in the cavity. They also used this plant to prevent inflammation and accelerate healing of the open wounds.
Today, Penstemons are often cultivated in ornamental purposes.
Due to their drought tolerance, Penstemons are frequently used in xeriscaping, a type of landscaping that reduces the need for supplemental watering.
Penstemon Plant Data
Plant Type:
Perennials
Color:
Penstemon flowers come in shades of white, yellow, blue, red and purple.
Hardiness Zones:
3-10
Blooms in:
Autumn, Summer
Height:
This plant grows between 30 cm (1 ft) and 120 cm (4 ft) high, depending on species.
Soil needs:
Most Penstemons require moist and well-drained soil. They usually grow on poor, rocky or sandy soils. This plant does not seem to be fussy about the soil pH, but prefers soil with a pH from 5.5 to 7.0.
