Penstemon australis
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Penstemon australis

Southeastern beardtongue · Slender beard-tongue · Southern beard-tongue · Eustis Lake Beardtongue

Tier 1 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 5–9
Click count
27
Observations
3

Description

Source: leafsnap

Penstemon australis is a perennial plant native to the wetlands of Florida, with the common name Eustis Lake beardtongue.It has pink or purple tubular flowers and pointed leaves. It is in the family Plantaginaceae.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Southeastern beardtongue is a sun-loving, perennial herbaceous plant that originates from open habitats and is often found thriving in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Southeastern beardtongue (Penstemon australis)?

The Southeastern beardtongue, or Penstemon australis, thrives in various sunlight conditions. It requires 'Full sun' which means it should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily to flourish. Alternatively, it can also grow in 'Partial sun', making do with about 3-6 hours of sunlight each day. It's important to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to find spots that offer a harmonious balance of light and shade. Properly assessing and choosing the right location will ensure the health and happiness of your plants.

🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Southeastern beardtongue adapts well to temperature, tolerating higher heat and wider temperature swings. In hot weather, attention to watering and providing some shade is necessary to avoid sunburn. On the other hand, its resistance to low temperatures is fairly poor. While it can handle a certain amount of cold, very low temperatures may cause frost damage.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Southeastern beardtongue is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy and begins active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Southeastern beardtongue has relatively low fertilizer requirements, applying fertilizer annually can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot

For Southeastern beardtongue to thrive in pots, it requires excellent drainage.

✂️ Pruning

Southeastern beardtongue is known for its vibrant flowers and bushy growth. To encourage new growth and improve air circulation, it is best to prune in early spring. This involves removing dead stems and trimming the plant back by one-third of its height. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer, as this can reduce blooming. Instead, focus on maintaining a strong structure and promoting abundant flowering.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Penstemon
Family
Plantaginaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
30 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 37 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Purple, Lavender
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Tags (7)

Common Names (4)

en Southeastern beardtongue
en Slender beard-tongue
en Southern beard-tongue
en Eustis Lake Beardtongue