Origin
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck is a low-growing perennial plant that is native to western North America, especially the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas. It can be found growing in dry and rocky soils, at elevations of up to 3000 meters.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Pineleaf Beardtongue or Rocky Mountain Beardtongue.
Uses
Pineleaf Beardtongue has been traditionally used in Native American medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and fevers. The plant is also used in landscaping due to its showy, tubular flowers and its low-maintenance requirements.
General Appearance
Pineleaf Beardtongue grows up to 60 cm tall and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are about 7 cm long and 3 mm wide. The leaves resemble those of a pine tree, hence its common name. The plant produces numerous tubular-shaped flowers that are 1.5 to 2.5 cm long and come in shades of pink, lavender, or purple with white throats. The flowers bloom from May to September and are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Light Requirements
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck thrives in areas with bright, full sunlight exposure. It can survive in partial shade, but full sunlight is preferable. In areas with too much shade, the plant may grow lanky and weak.
Temperature Requirements
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck grows best in areas with a warm, dry climate. It thrives in areas with temperatures ranging between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, shading may be necessary to prevent the plant from wilting.
Soil Requirements
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck prefers well-draining soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. It can tolerate soils that are slightly acidic or alkaline. It is best to avoid soils that are dense or compacted, as this may hinder the plant's growth and development. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve drainage.
Cultivation methods
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck is a perennial plant that is native to California and can be successfully grown in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and it is tolerant of drought and heat.
This plant can be propagated by seed or by vegetative cuttings, and it is recommended to plant it in the spring or fall.
Watering needs
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged, during the growing season, and the frequency of watering should be reduced in the winter.
It is recommended to water this plant deeply and infrequently rather than giving it frequent shallow waterings.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck should be done sparingly, and only during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and a decrease in flower production.
A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio (e.g. 10-10-10 or 14-14-14) can be applied in the early spring and again in mid-summer. Compost can also be added to the soil for added nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck should be done in the early spring or fall, after flowering has ceased.
The plant can be lightly pruned or deadheaded to encourage new growth and further blooms, but care should be taken not to remove too much of the stem, as this can lead to dieback.
If the plant has become too leggy or overgrown, it can be cut back more severely to promote denser growth and a more compact shape.
Propagation of Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck is a plant that can be propagated through various methods. The following are some of the propagation methods that can be used.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius is through seed propagation. The seeds can be sown indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate and the time of year. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and should be kept moist until germination. It is important to note that seed germination can take several weeks to several months, depending on the conditions.
Cuttings Propagation
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from the plant in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the top of the plant. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and should be kept moist until roots have formed.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagating Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius is through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. The divided sections should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and should be kept moist until they become established.
Disease Management
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck is generally a healthy plant, but like other plants, it can be subject to diseases. Below are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Root Rots
Root rots are caused by soil-borne fungi. These fungi attack the roots and cause them to rot, leading to stunted growth or death of the plant. To manage root rots, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. Remove infected plants and dispose of them properly.
Fungal Leaf Spots
Fungal leaf spots are caused by various fungi that attack the leaves. This can lead to the leaves turning yellow or brown and falling off prematurely. To manage fungal leaf spots, remove infected leaves and destroy them. Ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Penstemon laricifolius Hook. & Arn. ssp. exilifolius (A. Nels.) Keck is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be occasionally attacked by pests. Below are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt. To manage aphids, remove them by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or a miticide if necessary.
