Overview
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck is a sub-species of the Penstemon crandallii plant species. It is part of the Plantaginaceae family and is native to North America. This plant species is commonly known as Crandall's beardtongue, western beardtongue, or beard-lip penstemon.Appearance
Crandall's beardtongue is both a perennial and herbaceous plant that grows about 3-6 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide. Its leaves are evergreen, linear to oblong in shape, and have a green color. They are also glossy and somewhat hairy. The plant's flowers are tubular, with a light pink to lavender color and a white throat. They grow in clusters on long spikes that rise above the plant's foliage.Uses
Crandall's beardtongue has a few practical uses. First, the plant is a beautiful ornamental plant that can be used to add color and visual variety to gardens, landscapes, and natural areas. Second, its leaves contain a chemical called verbascoside, which has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This chemical is being studied for its potential use in the treatment of certain degenerative diseases. Lastly, the plant has traditional medicinal uses. Native American tribes have used various parts of the plant to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach pain, toothaches, and eye infections.Cultivation
Crandall's beardtongue is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loamy, sandy, and gravelly soils. It prefers a well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It should be planted in an area that receives full to partial sun exposure. The plant is also drought-tolerant and can go for extended periods without water. Its small size and ground-covering tendency make it an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and other areas where a low-growing plant is desired.Light Requirements
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens typically requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate a few hours of shade per day, but constant shade can lead to stunted growth and decreased flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but prolonged exposure to frost can damage the foliage and lead to reduced flowering. High temperatures can also be detrimental to the plant's growth and require extra watering.
Soil Requirements
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens thrives in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy and sandy soils. However, it may struggle in heavy clay soil, which can cause drainage problems leading to root rot. Regular watering and occasional fertilization can help maintain healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck is best cultivated in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant needs to be placed in a location where it can receive adequate sunlight for at least six hours per day. This species grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. Propagation can be done through both seed and stem cuttings. Seeds should be planted in early summer while stem cuttings are recommended in late summer. The plant needs to be spaced at a distance of 12 to 18 inches apart.Watering Needs
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck requires moderate watering, especially during the dry summer months. Over-watering can lead to root rot and may damage the plant. Watering intervals can be spaced out once the plant has established roots. The best practice is to ensure that the soil is moist, but not completely soaked. It's essential to provide good drainage to the plant as it prefers moist, well-drained soil.Fertilization
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck plants require regular fertilization with a balanced nutrient application. The plant can be fertilized using a blend of 10-10-10 fertilizers early in the growing season. However, it's crucial to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote soft growth. More growth means potentially weaker stems that tend to fall over. Applying a low-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer later in the season will help to promote healthier stems.Pruning
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck plants require minimal pruning. Deadheading the plant will help to promote further growth and reduce the possibility of disease development. Cutting the plant down in the fall is essential in reducing the exposure to disease. If cultivating the plant for appearance reasons, the runner stems can be trimmed back to reduce prolific growth.Propagation of Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the United States. This plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division. The following paragraphs will provide information on each of these propagation methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck is by seeds. The seeds of this plant can be collected from the mature seed heads and sown directly into the soil. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall before the first frost. The seeds should be sown on the soil surface and barely covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be kept moist and germination can be expected within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck can also be propagated by cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the mid to late summer when the plant has finished blooming. Cuttings should be taken from the softened wood with a sharp, sterile pair of scissors and placed immediately into a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots develop. The propagated plants can be transplanted to their permanent location after the roots have established themselves.
Propagation by Division
An additional method for propagating Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck is by division. Dividing the plant is best done in the early spring before new growth has emerged or in the fall after the plant has finished blooming. The plant should be dug up and the root ball separated into smaller sections. Each section should have its own roots and at least one stem. The new plants should be planted in their permanent location and watered well until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Penstemon Crandallii A. Nels. ssp. Procumbens (Greene) Keck
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. procumbens (Greene) Keck, commonly known as the Crandall's beardtongue, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. This plant is known for its beautiful purple flowers that bloom in the summer.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the Crandall's beardtongue is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powder on the leaves of the plant. This disease can cause stunted growth and premature death of the plant if left untreated. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected plant parts, or use a fungicide if the infection is severe.
Anthrachnose is another disease that can affect the Crandall's beardtongue. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves and stems of the plant. Anthracnose can cause wilting, leaf spots, and even death of the plant. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, or use a fungicide if the infection is severe.
Common Pests
Aphids are one of the most common pests that can affect the Crandall's beardtongue. These small, soft-bodied insects can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and premature death of the plant. To manage aphids, remove them from the plant manually, or use an insecticidal soap or oil.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect the Crandall's beardtongue. These tiny arachnids can cause discoloration and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge them, or use an insecticidal soap or oil.
Overall Management
To prevent these diseases and pests from affecting the Crandall's beardtongue, it is important to maintain good cultural practices. This includes planting the plant in well-drained soil, providing adequate water and sunlight, and keeping the plant well-spaced to allow for good air circulation. Regular inspection of the plant for signs of disease or pest infestations is also recommended.
If you suspect a problem with your Crandall's beardtongue, seek advice from a gardening expert or local extension office for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
