Origin
Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq., also known as the pseudoprocerus variety of Penstemon attenuatus, belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. This plant is native to the Western United States in regions such as California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Common Names
The pseudoprocerus variety of Penstemon attenuatus is commonly known as the Great Basin beardtongue, Sierra beardtongue, or Snake Range beardtongue.
Appearance
The Great Basin beardtongue is a perennial flowering plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. The plant has an upright growth habit and has multiple stems that arise from the base. Its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and up to 3 inches long. The plant produces showy, light violet-blue to lavender flowers at the end of the stems from May to August. The bell-shaped flowers are approximately 1 inch long and have a white throat and two hairy stamens, giving the plant its common name "beardtongue."
Uses
The Great Basin beardtongue is a popular plant for gardens and landscaping, due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is also utilized in restoration projects to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. The plant is considered important for wildlife as it provides food and habitat for pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Additionally, some Native American tribes found medicinal uses for the plant, using the roots to treat various ailments.
Light Requirements
The Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. plant requires full sunlight or partial shade to grow. It can tolerate shade, but the flower blooms best in full sunlight. When grown in partial shade, it will produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. plant is between 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit (13-27 degrees Celsius). It can tolerate frost and freezing temperatures but cannot thrive in extremely hot temperatures. It is important to note that temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline. It can grow in rocky or sandy soil types and can tolerate drought conditions. Rich soils with too much organic matter should be avoided as they can cause root rot in the plant.
Cultivation methods
Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. is drought-tolerant and can be grown in well-draining soil. This plant requires full sun exposure and should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be slightly alkaline, with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. The plant can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings.
Watering needs
Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. requires moderate watering during its growing season. The plant doesn't like to sit in soggy soil, so the soil must be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. It's recommended to water deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, but watering should be reduced in late fall to avoid water retention in the soil, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. is not a heavy feeder, and it's recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 1 tablespoon per plant, and it should be mixed with water before application. Fertilizer application should be stopped in late fall.
Pruning
Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. doesn't require regular pruning, but deadheading is recommended to prolong flowering and improve plant appearance. Deadheading involves removing spent flowers and stems by cutting them back to a leaf node or the base of the plant. It's also recommended to prune the plant in early spring to encourage new growth. Pruning should be done after the last frost date in your area.
Propagation of Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq.
Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. is commonly propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. should be collected when the seed capsules begin to turn brown and split open. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sowed.
The best time to sow the seeds is during fall, about six to eight weeks before the first frost. The seeds should be sowed in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
After the seedlings have emerged, they should be kept in a well-lit area for optimal growth. When the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by cuttings
Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the summer months.
Using a sharp, sterilized blade, cut a 3-4 inch section of stem from a healthy plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and cover it with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight.
The cutting should develop roots within a few weeks and can be transplanted into its permanent location once established.
Disease and Pest Management for Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq.
Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. is a beautiful plant to add to your garden. However, just like any other plant, it is vulnerable to diseases and pests. It is important to manage these issues to keep your plant healthy. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggested methods for their management.
Diseases
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that manifests as oval to circular brown spots on the leaves. The spots become dry, and a yellow halo may appear around them. To manage this issue, one should use copper fungicides or neem oil. Do not let water sit on the leaves and provide good air circulation to minimize the spread of the disease.
Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating over the leaves and stems. It thrives in humid conditions and can be managed by removing infected parts, using neem oil or potassium bicarbonate as a preventive measure.
Wilt: This is a soil-borne disease that causes the plant to wilt and die. There are no known cures for wilt, and it is best to remove the affected plant and destroy it. To reduce the likelihood of wilt, use well-draining soil and avoid planting in areas where diseased plants have been grown before.
Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects pierce the leaves and suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, one can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Snails and Slugs: These pests leave large holes and jagged edges on the leaves and flowers. They thrive in damp conditions, and one can manage them by handpicking them or using slug baits.
Caterpillars: These pests can cause severe damage by chewing on the leaves and flowers. One can manage them by handpicking them or using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) as a preventive measure.
Overall, by being vigilant and regularly inspecting your Penstemon attenuatus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. pseudoprocerus (Rydb.) Cronq. plant, it is possible to manage these pests and diseases. By doing so, you can maintain the health and beauty of your garden.
