beardtongue

Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) should be watered when the top 1-3 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Water thoroughly so the soil is evenly moist and there is no standing water. Avoid overhead watering and underwatering as both can cause stress on the plant. In general, your beardtongue should be watered every 7-10 days, depending on the soil. Plants in containers may need to be watered more frequently than those in the ground, so keep an eye on the soil to ensure it is consistently moist. During the warmer months, the frequency of watering may need to be increased due to the additional heat and sunlight.

Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) thrives in full sun exposure but can also tolerate some partial sun and shade. Ideal conditions for this perennial flower are to receive 4 to 6 hours of direct sunshine each day, with several hours of bright, indirect light too. To give the plant the amount of sunshine it needs for optimal growth, it should be placed in the sunniest spot possible with the most exposure to sunlight throughout the day. This will also help the plant to thrive during the warm, sunny summer months. In the winter, however, when the days are shorter and the sun is weaker, the plant may need additional protection or more hours of direct sunlight. Depending on the climate, you may need to move the plant further into the open or provide supplementary lighting to give it the sun exposure it needs.

Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) should be pruned lightly in late winter or early spring just before new growth begins. This should be done to remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems, as well as any extra long stems. Pruning at this time will help avoid the growth of crisscrossing stems or an unwieldy, leggy habit. Use sharp pruning shears and make sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a leaf node. Pruning too much or at the wrong time can reduce stem length and overall flower size.