beardtongue

Beardtongue (Penstemon caespitosus) requires moderate watering with a focus on making sure the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. Water frequently, allowing the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, or about 2 quarts (2 liters). You may need to water more frequently during particularly hot or dry weather.

Beardtongue, also known as Penstemon caespitosus, an alpine meadow wildflower native to the western United States, requires full sun to perform best in gardens. For optimal results, these plants will need 5 or more hours of direct sunlight each day, ideally spread across the morning and afternoon. When placed in more shaded spots, Beardtongue will not reach its full potential in terms of height and bloom production. To ensure these plants stay healthy and vigorous, it’s important to provide them with ample sunlight throughout the year.

Beardtongue (Penstemon caespitosus) is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant species from the Plantaginaceae family. Pruning beardtongue is not usually required but can be done to encourage denser growth. The best time to prune beardtongue is in the late winter or early spring, before the plant begins actively growing. When pruning, make sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. Trim off any dead, diseased, or spindly stems, as well as any that are growing in an undesirable direction. Prune the shoots back to the desired height, taking care not to over-prune. Over-pruning can damage the plant and weaken its structure. To encourage bushier growth, utilize tip pruning in the late spring. This is where the tips of the stems are trimmed back to the desired length. Be sure to trim the stems back to the highest bud to reduce any future spindly growth. Generally, beardtongue does not need much pruning. Pruning should only be done when necessary for aesthetic reasons or to keep the plant healthy.