Plant Description:
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi, also called Crandall’s penstemon, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It grows up to 20-40 inches tall, with a spread of about 12-18 inches. The plant is known for its upright habit, with many stems growing upward from the base and bearing lance-shaped leaves.
Origin and Distribution:
The Crandall’s penstemon is native to the southwestern United States, specifically the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. It primarily grows in rocky soil and on hillsides, often at high elevations. It is also commonly found in dry, sandy soils, on sagebrush steppe, and in pinyon-juniper woodland habitats. The plant can withstand drought, extreme heat, and cold temperatures.
Common Names and Uses:
The Crandall’s penstemon has several common names, including Taos penstemon, Taos beardtongue, and Crandall beardtongue. The plant is popular in gardens and landscaping due to its striking purple flowers and its adaptability to harsh conditions. It is also an important source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Light Requirements
The Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi plant thrives best in full sunlight or partially shaded areas. It is essential to ensure that the plant is receiving enough exposure to sunlight during the day to grow and develop correctly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant's growth is optimal in well-drained soils and moderate temperatures of between 32 °F to 82 °F (0 °C to 28 °C). It can resist mild frosts but cannot survive extreme freezing temperatures. Thus, it can grow in areas with mild winter conditions, especially in the USDA hardiness zones 5b to 9a.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained, sandy, and loamy soils for optimal growth. The ideal soil pH range for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi is between 5.6 and 7.5, and it can thrive in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It is crucial to adequately amend the soil before planting the Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi plant with organic matter such as manure, compost, or peat moss to help improve soil drainage and fertility.
Cultivation Methods for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi
The Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. It is native to the southwestern part of the United States and can grow in full sun as well as partial shade. This plant requires well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It is also important to choose a site that is protected from strong winds and heavy rainfall to avoid damage to the branches and blooms.
When planting the Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi, it is recommended to dig a hole that is at least twice the size of the plant's root ball. Make sure the soil is loosened up and mix in some organic matter like compost to help improve soil drainage. Plant the Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi at the same depth as it was in its original container and firm the soil around the plant. Water the plant well after planting.
Watering Needs for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi
The Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi requires moderate watering during its growth period, but it is crucial not to overwater it. Water the plant regularly but make sure the soil has dried out before watering it again. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases that can kill the plant.
During dry periods or hot weather, provide extra water to keep the soil moist, but avoid watering the leaves and flowers to prevent damage from sunburn. Organic mulch such as pine bark or chopped leaves around the plant's base can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi
The Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi does not require heavy fertilization. It is recommended to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the early spring before the growing season starts. Avoid using too much nitrogen-based fertilizer as it can promote foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
If the plant is growing slowly or producing fewer blooms, it may indicate a lack of nutrients, and it is recommended to apply a light application of fertilizer during the summer. Always follow the package instructions for fertilizer application rates.
Pruning for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi
Pruning the Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi can promote bushier growth and increase the number of blooms. It is recommended to prune the plant in early spring before the growing season starts. Cut back the old branches to about two-thirds of their length, leaving some green leaves above the dormant buds.
Deadheading the faded blooms regularly throughout the growing season can also promote more blooms and extend the blooming period. Cut back the entire plant to about half of its size after the blooming period ends in late summer to encourage new growth and make the plant more compact.
Propagation of Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi is a beautiful perennial plant that is native to North America. Propagation techniques allow gardeners to create many more plants from a single plant, which is essential for preserving this species. The following are some propagation methods that can be used to propagate Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis:
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis is through seed propagation. The seeds germinate easily and grow quickly, especially with the application of bottom heat. Gardeners can sow the seeds directly into the soil in the spring or summer, or they can start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date.
Division
Another propagation method for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis is through division. This method involves dividing the mature plant into two or more parts, and each new part will form a new plant. Gardeners should divide the plant in the spring or early fall, ensuring that each new part has strong roots and shoots.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis, but it is less commonly used compared to seed propagation and division. Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth in the spring to early summer and can produce roots in as little as three to four weeks. Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature wood in winter, but they require longer rooting times and need to be protected from cold temperatures.
Whichever propagation method is chosen, Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis is a stunning plant to grow, and the techniques mentioned above will help to create a beautiful garden full of its lovely blooms.
Disease Management
Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis (Keck) Kartesz & Gandhi is generally a low-maintenance plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, under certain conditions, it may be vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections, which can cause wilting, discoloration, and even death of the plant.
Preventive measures like maintaining good airflow, regular watering, and fertilization can help avoid disease outbreaks. In case of infection, removal of affected leaves and stems, proper sanitation, and use of fungicides and bactericides may help control the spread of diseases.
Here are some of the common diseases that may affect Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis, along with their management:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. Proper sanitation, pruning, and the use of fungicides like neem oil can help control it
- Leaf spot: Caused by various fungi, this disease results in the formation of circular brown spots on the leaves. Avoid overhead watering, provide good drainage, and use of copper-based fungicides can help manage it.
- Bacterial wilt: This disease results in the wilting and death of the plant, often turning the stem brown or black. Remove and destroy infected plants, use of bactericides like copper sulfate, and proper sanitation can help manage it.
Pest Management
Similar to diseases, pests are not a common problem for Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis. However, some common insects can infest the plant, causing damage to the leaves or flowers.
Prevention is key in keeping pests at bay, and some measures like maintaining cleanliness around the plant, removing weeds, and providing adequate water and nutrients can help prevent infestations. In case of an infestation, mechanical methods like handpicking, blasting with water, and sticky traps may help control the pests.
Some common pests that may affect Penstemon crandallii A. Nels. ssp. taosensis, along with their management, include:
- Aphids: These are small pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the leaves and flowers, leading to stunted growth and distorted leaves. Use of insecticidal soap or neem oil, beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, and reflective mulches can help manage aphids.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant, causing yellowing of leaves, fine webbing, and stunted growth. Use of insecticidal soap, predatory mites, and proper watering can help control spider mite infestations.
- Thrips: These are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves and flowers, causing discoloration and distortion. Use of insecticidal soap, proper disposal of infested plant material, and sticky traps can help control thrips.
