Origin
Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren, commonly known as modest beardtongue, is a flowering plant endemic to the western region of North America, from British Columbia to California.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as modest beardtongue due to its small size, or as Graham's penstemon in honor of its discoverer, Robert Graham. It is also known as dwarf penstemon.
Uses
The modest beardtongue is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers, thanks to its showy, violet-blue flowers which bloom from late spring to early summer. It is also used in medicine to treat various ailments such as sore throats, coughs, and fevers. The plant's roots and leaves contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
General Appearance
The modest beardtongue is a perennial herb that typically grows from 5 to 15 cm in height and forms dense mats. The plant's stems are slender, leafy, and branched, and its leaves are small, narrow, and grayish-green. The flowers of the modest beardtongue are the most striking feature of the plant, consisting of tube-shaped, violet-blue blooms that are 1 to 2 cm long and occur in clusters of 3 to 8 at the top of the stem. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant's fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Growth Conditions for Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren
Light Requirements: Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus requires partial to full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can lead to weak stems and poor flowering. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in areas that receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature: This plant is native to the western region of North America and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive temperatures as low as -40°F and as high as 90°F. However, it is not recommended to expose the plant to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods as it can affect growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements: Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil. It is also important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Water: This plant is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during the initial establishment period. Once established, it can tolerate moderate drought conditions. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
Fertilizer: Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus does not require regular fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer during the initial planting can help with the establishment and growth of the plant.
Other Growing Tips: It is important to provide adequate space between plants as Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus can grow up to 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. Deadheading spent flowers can promote additional blooming. This plant is also tolerant of deer and other wildlife.
Cultivation methods
Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren thrives best in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. It is recommended to plant the species in a location that is sheltered from extreme wind.
Propagation of the plant can be done through seeds or cuttings. Planting of seeds should be done in spring after the danger of frost has passed, and cuttings should be taken in summer or fall.
Watering needs
The plant prefers moderate water requirements and well-drained soil. It can handle brief droughts without damage, but it should be watered more often during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren benefits from fertilizer application in early spring when new growth appears. Use a balanced fertilizer or one that is high in phosphorus to promote blooms. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization and plant burn.
Pruning
Pruning of Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren is not necessary, but it can help to maintain its shape and promote fuller growth. It is recommended to prune the plant back by one-third after the first flush of blooms has faded. Deadheading can also help to encourage more blooms.
Propagation of Penstemon Procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. Modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren
Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren is a native plant that is popularly cultivated in home gardens and public spaces. Propagation is an essential aspect of planting and growing this plant, which can be done through several methods.
Seed propagation
The most widely used propagation method for Penstemon procerus var. modestus is through seed. This plant flowers from June to late August and produces dry fruits that contain seeds. The seeds can be collected when the fruit is dry and the color has turned brown.
Before planting, it is essential to clean the seeds, removing any debris or plant material. The seeds should then be stratified by placing them in a damp medium in a cold environment for several weeks. This process will break the seed dormancy and promote germination.
Once stratified, the seeds can be planted in a well-prepared garden bed with good drainage. Seedlings should appear within several weeks, and they should be thinned to ensure that they have enough space to grow and thrive.
Cuttings propagation
Another propagation method for Penstemon procerus var. modestus is through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from the plant in June and July, and hardwood cuttings should be taken in August.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-prepared garden bed in a shaded area. The cuttings should be kept moist, and a high level of humidity should be maintained around them for several weeks.
After several weeks, the cuttings should have formed roots and can be transplanted into a permanent location.
Disease Management
Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren is generally a pretty hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, a few diseases can occasionally affect the plant:
- Crown Rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that can cause the death of the plant. Control methods include avoiding overwatering, ensuring proper drainage, removing infected plants, and using fungicides.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. It can be controlled by avoiding overhead watering, removing infected leaves, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Though Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren doesn't typically attract too many pests, a few pests might occasionally cause problems:
- Aphids: Aphids are common pests that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They can be controlled by washing them off with water or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and webbing on a plant. They can be controlled by using a strong jet of water to wash them off the plant, or by using miticides.
Regular garden maintenance, such as removing dead or diseased plant material and maintaining good soil drainage and moisture, can go a long way towards preventing disease and pest issues for Penstemon procerus Dougl. ex Graham var. modestus (Greene) N. Holmgren. Keeping a close eye on the plant for early signs of disease or pest infestations will also help with early identification and control.
