Penstemon Spectabilis - Royal Beard tongue. This showy, attention-grabbing evergreen is a clump forming perennial with a multitude of large-mouthed, tubular flowers in hues of lavender, azure and rose, that bloom in spring and early summer. Their leafy stems can bear up to 100 flowers on the upper half of the stem. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to them in droves for the nectar. The plant is fuss-free, easy to grow and fast growing. This gorgeous plant is super showy and perfect for a sunny well drained garden. It is a self sower in the garden and only needs to be watered every 3-4 weeks, or not at all once established. No serious pest or disease issues; only need to ensure well drained soil to prevent root rot. Commonly used in beds, borders, informal and cottage gardens and Mediterranean gardens. Cut back stems after flowering to allow self-sowing. Wonderful for cutting flowers. Beneficial for Native bees and valuable for beneficial insects. This flower will grow in dry hot areas with ease, does not like much water or soil that is moist often. Will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Propagation by seed is the preferred method. Barely scratch seeds into the soil surface. Moist stratification for several months at 40 degrees enhances germination. I read this and wanted to share : John Mitchell, an 18th century American botanist, recorded the first botanical description of this plant genus; Carl Linnaeus included it in his landmark publication Species Plantarum in 1753. According to legend, Native Americans once used this plant as a versatile medicinal remedy. Its unusual common name comes from a fuzzy "tongue" in each open bloom, which gives a slight resemblance to a mouth and a tongue. The genus name "Penstemon" comes from Greek words for "five threads," referring to the stamens of each blossom. The species name "spectabilis" means "showy."
25+ seed per pack
Planting Zone: 4 – 8
Full Sun / partial shade
Height: 12 inches
Width: 6 inches - 8 inches
Great cut flowers
Attracts Hummingbirds, Butterflies and Bees
Medicinal
Resistant to Deer and Rabbit
Drought and Heat tolerant
I urge anyone buying seed to do their homework on germination, I have not raised and cannot raise many of these plants as I am sub-tropics here in St Augustine, Florida. All seed are NOT alike! There are so many different factors in germination and not doing a search is throwing your money away. I want everyone to be successful when growing your flowers from seed it is the most rewarding experience in Gardening and you can do it, if you give the seed what it needs to grow. I always check 3 sites of info to choose how I will go about it. It is not hard to do, if you do it right!
SEED GERMINATION TIP!!!!!!!
ONLY GERMINATE A SMALL PORTION AT A TIME.
DON'T PUT ALL YOUR MONKEYS IN A BARREL.
Good Luck and Happy Planting!!!!
