Species beardtongue

beardtongue

Penstemon 'Czar'

Penstemon 'Czar' or beardtongue is a hardy perennial plant with showy spike blooms which can add a striking color to any garden. Growing up to 30 inches tall and 18 inches wide, its large, deep purple leaves turn a bronze-green during the summer months. The flowers bloom in mid to late summer in shades of bright pink to purplish-red and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Penstemon 'Czar' prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil and is easy to propagate by division or cuttings. There is no need to deadhead, as the blooms will self-seed for a bigger and longer bloom time.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Purple with white inside Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Beardtongue (Penstemon 'Czar') should be watered once every 1 or 2 weeks, depending on the time of year and type of soil. In the summer months, when the plant is actively growing and flowering, it should be watered deeply once or twice a week if the soil begins to dry out. During the cooler months, in the fall and winter, reduce watering to once every 2 weeks. Make sure to water the soil around the plant, avoiding getting too much water on the foliage. Also, avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. Give the plant a good deep soak until you see water running out of the bottom of the pot. Do not let the soil dry out completely as this can cause damage and stunting of growth.

sunlight

Beardtongue (Penstemon 'Czar') does best in full sun for at least 6 hours per day. In regions with intense sun, it should receive a few hours of afternoon shade in order to prevent scorching. It prefers morning sun and benefits from a regular watering interval or natural rain events during summer months. For best flowering, Beardtongue should receive bright, and direct sunlight during the day. During winter months when light is reduced, the plant should receive as much direct sunlight per day as possible in order to keep its foliage healthy and strong.

pruning

Beardtongue (Penstemon 'Czar') is a shrub-like perennial plant with purple, tubular flowers. Pruning Beardtongue is essential for healthy growth. Prune plants in the spring just after new growth begins to emerge. Start by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and then remove up to 1-third of the oldest, woodiest stems at their base. This will encourage new growth and flowers. Prune again in late summer to keep the plant in shape and prevent it from becoming too large. To keep the foliage in check, pinch back new stems regularly throughout the growing season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Penstemon 'Czar' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Penstemon 'Czar' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map