The penstemon with its more than 250 species offers you a large selection of different plants, some of which are annual, but some are conditionally hardy and perennial. The growth height varies from 10 cm to 3 m.
Fading should be removed regularly
The pruning for a long flowering period
If you cut off wilted flowers regularly, then the penstemon will not put its energy into seed formation but into the formation of new buds. This extends its flowering period and you can enjoy the bell-shaped blossoms of the easy-to-care-for beardtongue well into autumn.
Cut the whiskers for the vase
Some varieties of penstemon are very suitable as cut flowers for the vase. To keep the penstemon in the vase for a long time, it is advisable to cut it early in the morning and shorten the stems a little every two to three days.
Place the vase in a cool and bright place, this also contributes to a long shelf life. In addition, you should only cut those shoots for the vase on which 2/3 of the flowers have already opened. Because the barbel is non-toxic, you don't have to worry about small children or your pets.
The pruning before winter
Annual varieties of penstemon don't have to be cut back at all, they simply die with the first frost. With perennial varieties, distinguish between those that you overwinter in the garden bed and those that you give winter quarters.
It is best not to cut back plants that overwinter in the bed until next spring. In this way, the whiskers can still gather strength and the withered leaves provide protection from the cold in winter. Potted plants are easier to transport and store if pruned in late fall.
The most important tips for cutting the barbel:
- cut early in the morning for the vase
- 2/3 of the flowers should be open
- use sharp and clean tools
- Cut back potted plants in autumn
- Cut back outdoors in spring
tips
Trim your vase whiskers early in the morning to keep them fresh longer.