bearded penstemon

Bearded penstemon should be watered whenever the topsoil feels dry. During the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing, it should be watered thoroughly at least once every week or 2. In the fall and winter, it should be given a deep watering every few weeks. The frequency of watering may need to be adjusted based on the plant’s location and your local climate. Soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Check for moisture in the top inch or so before bestowing more water, or stick your finger in the soil and gauge the wetness.

Bearded penstemon (Penstemon barbatus 'Jingle Bells') is an evergreen plant that requires full sun to perform at its best. This plant should receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day in order to stay healthy and vibrant. However, it is tolerant of partial shade, so if only afternoon sun is available, this plant will do fine and will still produce abundant lavender-blue flowers. In particularly hot climates, it's best to give this variety of penstemon filtered or morning sun only.

When pruning bearded penstemon (Penstemon barbatus 'Jingle Bells'), it is important to prune lightly and regularly to promote bushier and healthier growth. It is recommended to prune as soon as the plant is done flowering, typically towards the end of summer. Prune up to 1-third of the total length of the stems, cutting back stems to a healthy set of leaves while trying to maintain the shape of the plant. Pruning is beneficial for forced flowering and can also be done after the second flowering if desired. To maintain a healthy plan, it is important to avoid over-pruning, and to deadhead the flowers regularly as they bloom.