Overview of Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens (Pennell) Keck, also known as Crandall's Penstemon, is a perennial flowering plant native to the western United States. The plant belongs to the family Plantaginaceae and is a member of the Penstemon genus, which contains over 250 species of herbaceous perennials and sub-shrubs.
Description of Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens is a low-growing, spreading plant that typically reaches heights of only 6 to 12 inches. The plant has hairy, lance-shaped leaves that are gray-green in color and grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers of Crandall's Penstemon are showy, with a deep purple-blue color and a slightly curved tubular shape. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stems and attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Uses of Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is a popular plant for native gardens and xeriscapes because it is drought tolerant and low maintenance. The plant is also used in habitat restoration projects, as it is a good choice for stabilizing slopes and erosion-prone areas. Native American tribes used the plant for medicinal purposes, as it was believed to have healing properties for a variety of ailments.
General Appearance of Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens is a small, but striking plant that adds color and interest to a variety of landscape settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal plant for borders, rock gardens, and containers. The deep purple-blue flowers contrast nicely with the gray-green foliage and add a pop of color to any garden. Crandall's Penstemon blooms in late spring to early summer and has a relatively short flowering period. However, with proper care and maintenance, the plant can provide blooms year after year.
Growth Conditions for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens (Pennell) Keck
Light: This plant requires full sun in order to grow, thrive, and bloom. It does not tolerate shade or partial shade very well, making it ideal for open fields and meadows where there is plenty of sun exposure.
Temperature: Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens (Pennell) Keck is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers temperate climates with warm summers and mild winters. It can survive temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 100°F.
Soil Requirements: The soil requirements for this plant are quite specific because it prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It does not tolerate waterlogged soil, so it is important to plant it in a spot with good drainage. This plant prefers neutral to alkaline soil that is not too rich in organic matter. It is also tolerant of sandy or rocky soil.
Water: Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens (Pennell) Keck is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require much watering once established. It is important not to overwater this plant because too much moisture can cause root rot. Water it once a week during its growing season and once a month during winter.
Fertilizer: This plant does not require heavy fertilization to grow. A light application of compost or slow-release fertilizer in the spring is sufficient to promote growth and blooming. Avoid using heavy nitrogen fertilizers because they can cause excessive foliage growth and reduce blooming.
Cultivation Methods
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens (Pennell) Keck, commonly known as Crandall's Penstemon, is a perennial flowering plant that is native to the western United States. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It can be propagated using seeds or cuttings and should be planted in the spring or fall. It is also cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F.
Watering Needs
While Crandall's Penstemon requires well-draining soil, it still needs to be watered regularly during the growing season. This plant prefers moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week or more frequently during hot and dry periods.
Fertilization
Crandall's Penstemon does not require heavy fertilization, but it benefits from a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season and follow the instructions on the packaging for dosage recommendations.
Pruning
In general, Crandall's Penstemon does not require heavy pruning. However, you can prune the plant in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems. You can also pinch back the stems during the growing season to encourage fuller growth and more prolific blooming.
Propagation Methods for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens, commonly known as Crandall’s beardtongue, is a beautiful flowering plant native to North America. Propagating this plant can be carried out by various techniques such as seed propagation, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the easiest and commonly used methods for propagating Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens. Collect matured seeds from the plant during late summer or early fall. Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature between 60°F and 70°F. Once the seedlings have developed enough roots to support themselves, transplant them to their permanent location in the garden.
Division
Dividing Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens is another method of propagation. Divide the plant in spring before the growing season begins or in the fall when the plant has become dormant. Use a sharp knife or garden fork to cut through the root mass and separating the plant into several clumps. Replant the clumps in their desired locations in the garden, making sure to keep the soil moist until the plants become established.
Stem Cuttings
Using stem cuttings is also an effective method of propagating Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens. Take cuttings in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy stem, make a clean cut with a sharp knife just below a node, and remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted into its final location in the garden.
Disease Management
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens (Pennell) Keck is generally a healthy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it can still be affected by certain fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Leaf spot: This is caused by the fungus Phoma exigua. It causes small spots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown and fall off. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Use a fungicide if the infection is severe.
- Crown rot: This is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cactorum. It affects the roots and crown of the plant, causing wilting and death. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. glabrescens (Pennell) Keck is generally not affected by pests. However, there are a few insects that can sometimes cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that can affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. To manage this pest, wash the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the bugs. You can also use insecticidal soap if the infestation is severe.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests live on the undersides of leaves and suck the sap from the plant. They also spin webs, which can make the plant look unsightly. To manage this pest, wash the plant with a strong stream of water. You can also use insecticidal soap if the infestation is severe.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, handpick them off the plant and dispose of them. You can also place copper tape around the base of the plant to deter them.
