Cultivation

Penstemon Bedding

Penstemon Schmidel.

The use of Penstemon in bedding displays requires excellent drainage to prevent crown rot and moderate soil fertility to maintain stem uprightness.

In the reference 12 varieties crop Beard Tongue, where this is mentioned in the description.

When creating flower beds with Penstemon, a critical factor is the elimination of excess moisture in the root zone. Due to the high sensitivity of the crop to waterlogging, the soil must be light and well-drained, and, if necessary, an additional drainage layer should be provided.

Planting density in the flower bed is determined by the habit of the specific cultivar and ranges from 15–20 cm for dwarf forms to 60 cm for larger ones. Because of the upright structure of the stems, it is recommended to plant Penstemon in the middle or back of the composition.

Cultivation practices in bedding displays exclude the application of excess organic fertilizers, as this induces excessive vegetative growth and stem lodging. To extend the period of visual appeal and stimulate repeat blooming of hybrid forms, regular deadheading of spent inflorescences is necessary.

General information about the subject — on the page Bedding plants.

Sources8

Varieties of Beard Tongue mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.