Penstemon, which looks very similar to foxglove, is an undemanding and easy-care perennial that shines in the garden both as an eye-catcher in beds and borders and as a valued bee or insect species. The large flowers and bright colors appear from June and, with good care, well into autumn.

The easy-care beard thread looks pretty in the garden

Table of Contents

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  1. origin and distribution
  2. use
  3. appearance and growth
  4. flowering and flowering time
  5. toxicity
  6. Which location is suitable?
  7. soil / substrate
  8. Plant barbel the right way
  9. Water and fertilize
  10. Cut barbel properly
  11. increase barbel
  12. hibernate
  13. diseases and pests
  14. species and varieties

    15. origin and distribution

    Penstemon (bot. Penstemon) is an attractive genus of flowering plants in the plantain family (bot. Plantaginaceae). About 250 different species belong to this genus, most of which grow herbaceous or woody. The barbels, which belong to the perennials, originally come from the warm regions of North America and Mexico, where the plants thrive perennial. However, under the influence of the Central European weather, the plants, which are sensitive to cold and moisture, are not hardy and are therefore usually cared for once a year. However, it is occasionally possible to get some more robust species and varieties through the cold season with the help of good winter protection.

    use

    The colorful flowers as well as the tall and slender growth make the penstemon the perfect companion and ornamental plant in perennial and summer flower beds as well as in borders. Its possible uses are enormous, after all the numerous single and multicolored varieties offer a large selection. The barbel is particularly attractive when combined with other perennials such as the summer aster (Callistephus), gypsophila (Gypsophila), larkspur (Delphinium) or chrysanthemums. Species that stay low find a place that attracts much attention in a rock or gravel garden, and some also feel very comfortable as potted plants on balconies and terraces. Large-flowered varieties - found particularly in hybrids - also produce long-lasting cut flowers.

    appearance and growth

    Depending on the type and variety, the barbel can grow to a height of between 40 and 80 centimetres. The forms cultivated by us usually have a herbaceous habit, only a few species grow as subshrubs or shrubs. The stems of the penstemon grow upright and are densely covered with narrow, lanceolate leaves. These are usually arranged opposite one another. The leaf margin is either smooth or serrated.

    flowering and flowering time

    The structure of the filigree flowers is similar to that of the foxglove. They are bell- or tube-shaped and sit either in terminal clusters or in panicles. Each flower has five stamens, one of which always has long hairs - this property gave the genus its peculiar name. The penstemon blooms in many bright colors: white, pink, red and also violet tones bring magnificent splashes of color to the garden bed. As a rule, the flowering period extends between May and August, although with good care and in a suitable location, the penstemon can bloom well into autumn.

    After flowering, unless pruned, brown capsule fruits containing angular seeds develop until autumn.

    toxicity

    In contrast to the Foxglove (bot. Digitalis), which looks very similar, the Beardtongue is non-toxic and therefore perfectly suited for cultivation in family gardens. However, both species belong to the plantain family (bot. Plantaginaceae).

    Which location is suitable?

    The penstemon feels most comfortable in a full sun, warm and sheltered location. Not only does it bloom more beautifully the more intense the sun shines: It also needs good protection from the wind, otherwise the flower-bearing stems can snap or break off. A spot directly in front of a light-colored wall or house wall or a hedge that does not cast shadows is therefore ideal. In regions with mild winters (e.g. in the wine-growing regions), the penstemon can hibernate well protected outdoors, in all other areas you should either only look after it once a year or hibernate frost-free. The plant tolerates a little frost down to about minus five degrees Celsius.

    soil / substrate

    Plant the barbel in a humus and nutrient-rich soil that should be as fresh and well-drained as possible. The plant is very sensitive to waterlogging, which can be a problem, especially in winter. It is therefore essential to ensure good drainage, both in the bed and in a pot culture, so that excess water can drain away quickly. When wintering outdoors, the barbel must be protected from moisture and moisture. With regard to the optimal pH value, the plants prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil. Before planting, upgrade it with plenty of compost and, if necessary - if it is a comparatively heavy subsoil - with coarse sand.

    For pot specimens, we recommend the use of high-quality compost-based plant or potting soil, which you can add perlite, expanded clay (€19.73) or sand to improve permeability. In addition, the planter must have drainage holes on the bottom, so that the whiskers don't have to get wet if the watering can spills too much.

    Plant barbel the right way

    Prefer the summer bloomers on the windowsill from February. The young plants then move into the garden bed or onto the balcony from May, although you should definitely wait for the ice saints. Late frosts could otherwise quickly kill your planting. Prepare the soil well before planting:

    • Loosen the soil and remove stones and weeds.
    • Draw up a planting plan, where which perennials and flowers belong.
    • Keep to the recommended planting distances.
    • Now dig the planting holes, which should be about twice the size of the root ball.
    • Mix the excavation with compost and horn shavings.
    • You can also mix in a long-term fertilizer for flowering plants.
    • Lift the penstemon out of the pot and gently loosen the roots with your fingers.
    • Insert the plants and fill in the substrate.
    • Press the soil firmly and water the plant well.

    You should also provide tall varieties with a support rod when planting so that they do not snap off.

    planting distance

    Depending on the type and variety, a planting distance of between 20 and 30 centimeters is recommended.

    planting time

    Only plant the barbel outside after the ice saints in May.

    Water and fertilize

    Basically, the penstemon is a very easy-care summer flower that only gets along well with a little water and occasional fertilization. Planted specimens only really need to be watered during dry spells and hot weather, while potted penstemon should be watered moderately. Before watering, do a finger test first so that you can estimate the actual water requirement. Basically, strong flowering and tall growing varieties need more moisture than the low-staying varieties.

    While low barbel varieties also do very well in rather poor soil and only need little fertilizer, you should provide the tall variants with a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants from time to time. However, only start fertilizing six to eight weeks after planting if you have already added compost, horn shavings (32.93€) or even a long-term fertilizer.

    Cut barbel properly

    Regularly remove the faded shoots so that the penstemon keeps growing new flowers. However, you can leave one or the other flower for the purpose of seed production. Then just make sure to collect the seed pods in time before they burst open.
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    increase barbel

    You can easily propagate most penstemon species and varieties using cuttings cut in summer, although these must be overwintered frost-free in any case. Propagation via seeds is also easy, although germinable seeds cannot be obtained from all commercially available varieties - most of them are non-fertile hybrids. Seed-proof variants, on the other hand, grow as follows:

    • Fill a seed tray with nutrient-poor seed substrate.
    • Sow the seeds and press them lightly into the substrate.
    • Spray the substrate with water and slightly dampen it.
    • Cover the bowl with cling film or a translucent hood.
    • Keep the dish fairly warm and light at 18 to 20 °C.
    • Air daily and keep the substrate slightly moist.

    After about three weeks, the young plants germinate and are then pricked out as early as possible - otherwise they could grow too long and buckle. Cultivate the young barbels quite cool at about 12 to 15 °C.

    Furthermore, some species of penstemon can be divided if you cultivate them for several years and overwinter accordingly.

    hibernate

    With a bit of luck, many a robust variety of penstemon can be overwintered in the garden bed. To do this, you should cut back the plants in autumn and cover them with fir or spruce brushwood. If you actually want to hibernate the summer flowers, it is better to dig them up, plant them in a bucket and hibernate in a bright, cool and frost-free place. However, the easiest way is to dispose of this year's plants and grow new ones from seeds you have collected yourself from February.
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    diseases and pests

    Pests and diseases rarely occur on the barbel. Only aphids and nematodes could be problematic, and snails often like to eat the plant. Powdery mildew can also occur, but it can be treated quite easily with a mixture of water and whole milk that you spray on diseased plants. Wilt disease, on the other hand, is more difficult and cannot be treated in most cases. It occurs when the barbel is permanently in too moist soil and the roots rot as a result.

    tips

    If you want to cut a few flower stalks of the penstemon as cut flowers for the vase, it is best to do this in the early morning - experience has shown that the flowers last the longest then. Place the flowering shoots in a clean vase with fresh water and place them in a light and not too warm place. It is best to change the water every day.

    species and varieties

    The commercially available varieties are almost exclusively hybrid forms, some of which look very similar to their parents and can therefore hardly be distinguished from them. Some pretty shapes for the home garden are for example:

    • Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus': up to 120 centimeters high, bell-shaped, bright red flowers
    • Penstemon barbatus 'Praecox Nanus Rondo': bushy growth, height of growth up to 40 centimeters
    • Penstemon digitalis 'Dark Towers': clumpy growth, height of growth up to 90 centimetres, violet-pink flowers with white tips
    • Penstemon digitalis 'Husker's Red': clump-forming, stature height up to 100 centimetres, large, white flowers arranged in panicles
    • Penstemon scouleri 'Catherine de la Mare': upright habit, up to 40 centimeters high, azure flowers arranged in racemes
    • Penstemon hartwegii 'Picotee Red': bright red flowers
    • Penstemon hartwegii 'Schönholzeri': flowers striking scarlet

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Vegetable garden