Overview
Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. (pro sp.), commonly known as Crider's Penstemon, is a hybrid plant species belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. This plant is a cross between Penstemon fruticosus and Penstemon comarrhenus.
Origin and Distribution
The Crider's Penstemon is native to the western United States, particularly in the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. It was first discovered by a botanist named Alfred M. Bailey in 1901. The plant's name, "Crider", came from a farmer named John Crider, who assisted Bailey in discovering the plant.
Common Names
The Crider's Penstemon is commonly known as Crider's Beardtongue.
Appearance
The Crider's Penstemon has a compact, bushy form and can grow up to 1-2 feet tall. Its leaves are evergreen, lance-shaped, and they have a gray-green tint. The plant bears tubular, magenta-colored flowers that bloom from spring to early summer, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Uses
The Crider's Penstemon is primarily used in landscaping and ornamental gardening due to its attractive foliage and striking blooms. It is well-suited to xeriscaping, which is the process of landscaping or gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. In addition, the Crider's Penstemon has traditional medicinal uses by Native American tribes for treating certain ailments like cough and fever.
Light Requirements
Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. requires full sun to grow properly. It thrives in areas with high light intensity and cannot grow in low light conditions. Exposure to sunlight is essential for the plant since it allows it to form flowers and boost its growth rate.
Temperature Requirements
Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. prefers a moderate temperature range between 65°F to 80°F. The plant cannot handle sudden temperature changes and needs a stable environment for proper growth. Lower temperatures may negatively affect the growth and maturation of the plant, leading to deformities in the leaves and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH of 7.0 or slightly acidic. The soil should have good water retention capabilities to ensure that the plant receives enough moisture. It should also be free from harmful contaminants and have enough organic matter content. The plant does not grow well in acidic soils and requires regular fertilization to enhance growth. Loamy or sandy soils with good drainage are ideal for the growth of Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels.
Cultivation Methods
Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. (pro sp.) can be grown in a variety of soil types, but it thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH range between 6 and 7.5. It requires full sunlight to produce the most flowers, but it can tolerate some dappled shade. If you are planting from seed, sow them in early spring or late winter and ensure that the soil temperature is around 60°F. The seeds should germinate within 14 to 21 days, after which they should be transplanted to their permanent location.
Watering Needs
Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. (pro sp.) requires moderate soil moisture to thrive, but it is drought tolerant once established. Overwatering can cause the plant to develop root rot and other fungal diseases, so it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil. Ideally, the plant should be watered deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilization
Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. (pro sp.) thrives in soil with low to moderate levels of nutrients, so it does not require much fertilization. If you feel the need to fertilize, it is best to do so during the early spring when the plant is beginning to grow. Apply a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 to the soil, avoiding getting the fertilizer on the leaves, and water the plant deeply.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. (pro sp.) plant, but it can help prolong the flowering period and encourage bushier growth. After each blooming cycle, cut back the spike by half its height. This process will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. During the fall, cut the plant back to its basal growth to prepare it for winter's dormant period.
Propagation methods for Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. (pro sp.)
The Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. (pro sp.) plant, commonly known as Crider's beardtongue, is a hybrid perennial plant derived from crosses between two native species, Penstemon digitatus and Penstemon whippleanus. Its propagation can be achieved through the following methods:
Division
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to propagate Penstemon ×crideri is through division. This method involves digging up an established plant and separating its root ball into smaller clumps, each with several stems and roots. The divisions can then be replanted in prepared soil and watered well.
It is best to divide Penstemon ×crideri plants in spring or fall, when they are not actively growing. This allows the newly divided plants to establish their roots before the onset of harsh weather conditions.
Seed propagation
Penstemon ×crideri can also be propagated from seed. Seeds can be collected from mature plants once the seed capsules have dried and turned brown. These can then be planted directly into the ground in fall or early spring, or started indoors in late winter.
For indoor seed starting, the seeds are first soaked overnight in water, then planted in trays of seed starting mix and kept in a warm, well-lit room. Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into pots or directly into the garden.
Cuttings
Propagation of Penstemon ×crideri can also be done through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy parent plant, usually in summer when the plant is actively growing.
The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from a stem that is not flowering. Remove any lower leaves from the cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and then plant it in a pot filled with moist soilless mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location, lightly misting it every few days to keep the soil moist. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, newly propagated Penstemon ×crideri plants should be protected from hot sun, strong winds, and extreme weather conditions until they are well established.
Disease Management for Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels.
Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. is generally resistant to diseases, but it can still be affected by some fungal diseases. To prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases, it is essential to provide good air circulation around the plants. It is also important to avoid watering the plants from above and instead use soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system to water the roots of the plant.
One of the most common fungal diseases that affect Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, you can remove the affected parts of the plant and destroy them. You can also use fungicides that contain sulfur or copper to control the disease.
Another fungal disease that affects Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. is leaf spot. This disease is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, you can remove the affected leaves and destroy them. You can also use fungicides that contain copper or chlorothalonil to control the disease.
Pest Management for Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels.
Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. is generally resistant to pests but can be affected by some insects. One insect that can affect Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. is the spider mite. Spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye and usually appear as tiny, red or brown dots on the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
The leafhopper is another insect that can affect Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. The leafhopper can cause damage to the leaves by removing plant sap. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage leafhoppers, you can use insecticides that contain bifenthrin or cyfluthrin.
Finally, the whitefly is another insect that can affect Penstemon ×crideri A. Nels. Whiteflies are small, white flying insects that feed on the sap of the plant. To manage whiteflies, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to control the population of whiteflies.
