Overview
Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett, also known as pygmy beardtongue, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. This plant is native to the eastern part of North America and is commonly found in open oak-pine woods, prairies, and along roadsides.
Appearance
The pygmy beardtongue plant grows up to 20 cm in height and has a cluster of pink to violet tubular-shaped flowers that bloom between May and August. The leaves are usually dark green, lance-shaped, and covered in hairs, giving them a rough, fuzzy texture. The stems of the plant are usually erect with many branches.
Uses
Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett has a few uses. The plant is known for its ornamental value and is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent addition to any pollinator garden. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and is used to treat respiratory disorders and sore throats in some indigenous cultures.
Common Names
Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett goes by many common names, including pygmy beardtongue, dwarf penstemon, and hairy beardtongue. The plant's scientific name "Penstemon" is derived from two Greek words that mean "five stamens," referring to the plant's five fertile stamens.
Light Requirements
Penstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus Bennett thrives best when exposed to full sunlight. It is crucial to plant it in an area where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight every day. Inadequate sunlight may compromise plant growth and development, leading to reduced yields and quality.
Temperature Requirements
Penstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus Bennett grows well in temperate climates, and its hardiness zones are 4-8. The plant prefers temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter season, the plant goes dormant and can tolerate freezing temperatures ranging from -30 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Penstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus Bennett prefers a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The soil should be loamy, fertile, with a pH between 6.0 to 8.0. Conversely, the plant cannot grow in soils that retain too much water as it may cause rotting of the roots. It is advisable to add compost to the soil to improve its structure, add nutrients, and enhance drainage.
Cultivation Methods for Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett
Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett, commonly known as Pygmy Penstemon, can be cultivated through seeds or cuttings. It is best to sow the seeds in a greenhouse or indoors in early spring. Once the seedlings reach 2 inches in height, they can be transferred to an outdoor location with well-draining soil. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to grow optimally.
Watering Needs for Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett
Pygmy Penstemon has average water needs. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot and cause the plant to die.
Fertilization for Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett
Pygmy Penstemon requires fertilization once a month during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen content, such as 5-10-10 or 10-10-10, can be used. The fertilizer must be spread around the base of the plant, avoiding contact with the foliage and stems, and watered thoroughly. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning for Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett
Pygmy Penstemon requires minimal pruning. Deadheading the faded flowers aids in promoting further blooming. During the winter season, prune back the plant to the ground level. This pruning technique will encourage new growth and enhance flowering for the upcoming year.
Propagation Methods for Penstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus Bennett
Penstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus Bennett, commonly known as pygmy or hairy beardtongue, is a low-growing perennial herb that is native to North America. It is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its attractive flowers, which appear in late spring and early summer.
Propagation by Seed
Penstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus Bennett can be propagated by seed, which is typically sown in early spring. The seeds can be directly sown in the garden or started indoors in pots. If starting indoors, the seeds should be planted in moist, well-drained soil and kept at a temperature between 60°F and 70°F until they germinate, which usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method of propagating Penstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus Bennett is by stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy plant and rooting it in soil or water. Cuttings should be taken in early summer when the plant is actively growing. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and then place it in a pot with moist soil. Keep the cutting in a shaded area and keep soil moist until roots form, which usually takes 1-2 months.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagating Penstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus Bennett where an established plant is divided into two or more parts. This method is typically done in early spring or late summer when the plant is not actively growing. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into sections, making sure each section has enough roots and leaves to grow.
Considerations for Propagation
Whether propagating by seed, cuttings or division, it is important to provide the plant with the right growing conditions, including well-draining soil, adequate moisture, and partial shade. If propagating indoors, provide a good light source for newly established plants to support their growth. Propagation by seed may not always produce plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, so it is important to start with a high-quality source.
Disease Management for Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett
Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett, like other plants, is susceptible to several diseases. The best disease management approach is to ensure proper cultural practices such as adequate watering, well-drained soil, and maintaining a suitable pH level in the soil. Diseases that might affect Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett include:
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on leaves. This disease is common in wet or humid weather and can spread rapidly. Removing affected leaves and improving air circulation can control this disease. In severe cases, fungicides may be necessary, and it is essential to follow the instructions on the label if you apply them.
Root Rots
Root rot is a disease caused by fungi that thrive in excessively wet soil and can be deadly to Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett. You can prevent this disease by avoiding overwatering and ensuring that the plant is grown in well-drained soil. In severe cases, you may have to replant the Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett in another area.
Pest Management for Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett
Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett is also susceptible to pests such as:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are common pests that feed on the leaves of Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett. You can control spider mite infestations by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or pyrethrin-based insecticides.
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are tiny insects that can cause significant damage to the foliage of Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett. You can control leafhopper infestations by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil sprays.
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap of a plant and weaken it. They also excrete a honeydew substance that promotes the growth of black sooty mold. You can control aphids by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Preventing pest and disease infestations is always the best approach. By maintaining good gardening practices, you can keep your Penstemon hirsutus (L.) Willd. var. pygmaeus Bennett healthy and strong.
