Overview
Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii (Pennell) N. Holmgren is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is commonly known as Garrett's beardtongue and can be found in the western United States.
Appearance
Garrett's beardtongue is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 20 inches tall. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and range from 2 to 5 centimeters long. The plant's stems are slender and somewhat hairy, and the inflorescence consists of several violet to lavender flowers that grow in a raceme with bracts under the flower pedicels. The flowers bloom from May to August.
Uses
Garrett's beardtongue has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. The plant contains saponins, which are used to treat coughs and other respiratory illnesses. The plant's roots have also been used to create a tea that is used for fever reduction. It is also widely used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers.
Origin
Garrett's beardtongue is native to the western United States, specifically in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. It can be found growing in sandy soils, rocky areas, and open woods at elevations of up to 2,900 meters.
Growth Conditions for Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii (Pennell) N. Holmgren
Light: Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to grow leggy and have fewer flowers.
Temperature: This plant is adaptable to various temperature conditions. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. In hot climates, it prefers partial shade to protect it from intense sun exposure. In colder climates, it can survive mild to moderate frosts.
Soil: Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. Soil that is too heavy or wet can lead to root rot, which is harmful to the plant's growth. It can grow in rocky or sandy soils and is tolerant of drought conditions.
Cultivation Methods
The Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii is a hardy plant that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. This plant loves full sun and prefers well-drained, sandy to gravelly soil. It can tolerate some drought, but it's best to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer months.
You can grow Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii from seed or by division. Start seeds indoors during the winter and transplant them outside when temperatures reach 65°F. To divide, do so during late fall or early spring. Be sure to water the plants regularly after transplanting until they become established.
Watering Needs
Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii prefers consistent soil moisture. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. When temperatures soar, you might need to water the plant more often. However, be careful not to overwater, as it can lead to rot and greatly damage the plant.
Fertilization
Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii doesn't need much fertilizer to thrive. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the spring when new growth is starting, mainly if you're planning to grow the plant in nutrient-poor soil. Avoid overfertilizing as it may result in shorter plant height and even fewer blooms.
Pruning
Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii doesn't require extensive pruning. However, you may need to deadhead the plant to promote more blooms and discourage self-seeding. Do this by cutting off spent flower heads, including the stem, to the first set of leaves. You can prune the plants in early spring and cut back the stems to about six inches above the soil line to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii (Pennell) N. Holmgren
Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii (Pennell) N. Holmgren can be propagated through seed, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces seed pods that should be collected when they turn brown in color. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix in late fall or early spring. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, and keep the soil moist. The potting mix should be kept in a warm, bright location, and germination should occur within 2-4 weeks. Transplant the seedlings into larger pots or directly into the garden bed.
Division Propagation
Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii (Pennell) N. Holmgren can be propagated through division in early spring or fall. Using a garden fork, the plant's root ball can be lifted from the ground and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and shoots. The divided sections can be planted in a new location with well-draining soil and good sunlight. Keep the soil moist until the plants are established.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii (Pennell) N. Holmgren can also be propagated through stem cuttings in spring or summer. Take cuttings of approximately 3-4 inches length from the tip of the stem. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder and insert it into a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and cover the pot with plastic wrap to increase humidity. The cuttings should root within 6-8 weeks, and can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii (Pennell) N. Holmgren
Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii (Pennell) N. Holmgren is a native plant that is susceptible to several diseases and pests, which can cause significant damage if not managed properly.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii is powdery mildew, which presents as a white powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and ensure proper air circulation by spacing the plants apart. Avoid overhead watering and opt for drip irrigation instead. Fungicides can also be used to manage powdery mildew, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully for application methods and timing.
Another disease that affects Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii is root rot, which is caused by soil-borne fungi. This disease can be prevented by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding over-watering. If root rot does occur, it is best to remove and destroy the infected plant and avoid replanting in the same area.
Common Pests
Aphids are a common pest that can infest Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii, feeding on the sap of the plants and causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Aphids can be managed through the use of insecticidal soaps or neem oil, applied following the manufacturer's instructions. Encouraging natural predators, such as ladybugs, can also help control aphid populations.
Spider mites are another common pest that can attack Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii, causing leaf discoloration and webbing. These pests can be managed through spraying with water or insecticidal soap to dislodge them, or by using a miticide following the manufacturer's instructions.
Regular monitoring and prompt action when disease or pests are detected can help protect Penstemon scariosus Pennell var. garrettii and promote healthy growth and development.
