Penstemon calycosus
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Penstemon calycosus

Long-Sepal Beardtongue · Longsepal beardtongue

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
71
Observations
34

Description

Source: leafsnap

Penstemon calycosus, commonly called longsepal beardtongue, is a species of plant in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It is native to eastern North America, where it native to the Upper South and Midwestern United States. It expanded its range into the northeast United States in the early 20th century. Its natural habitat is in open woodlands, prairies, and bluffs, often over limestone.Penstemon calycosus is an herbaceous perennial, growing to around 3 feet tall. Its flowers are lavender to purple and tubular. It blooms in late spring and early summer, ranging May to July depending on latitude.Penstemon calycosus is similar to the more widespread Penstemon digitalis. P. calycosus can be distinguished from P. digitalis by its purple flowers and longer, attenuate sepals.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Long-sepal beardtongue is a sun-loving, herbaceous perennial that comes from open habitats and commonly grows in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Long-sepal beardtongue can tolerate a wide variety of temperature conditions, but its range may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended stretches of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, raise the risk of Long-sepal beardtongue dying. In winter, protecting it properly from the cold can increase its chances of survival.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Long-sepal beardtongue is in early spring, as it comes out of dormancy and begins active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. Although Long-sepal beardtongue has relatively low fertilizer requirements, applying fertilizer annually can improve its survival and promote better, longer-lasting flowers.

🪴 Pot & Repot

For long-sepal beardtongue to thrive in pots, it's essential to have excellent drainage to prevent water accumulation, which can cause root rot and other problems. Use a well-aerated potting mix that offers optimal moisture control.

✂️ Pruning

Long-sepal beardtongue is a perennial plant featuring tubular flowers and prominent stamens. For optimal growth and an abundance of blooms, prune it from early to late spring. Start by removing any dead stems and thinning out crowded areas to improve air circulation. After the plant blooms, pruning helps maintain its shape, encourages additional flowering, and reduces the risk of disease.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Penstemon
Family
Plantaginaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
61 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 46 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Lavender
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 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 (2)

en Long-Sepal Beardtongue
en Longsepal beardtongue