How to Grow and Care for Penstemon Flowers
Penstemon Gloxiniodes
People love Penstemon. And, so do hummingbirds. Do you suppose that gardener's
and homeowners alike, love these trumpet shaped flowers because they attract
hummingbirds!? ........Hmmmmmmm.
Native to hills and mountain regions of California, there are a couple hundred
species of Penstemon plants.
Penstemon is a highly attractive and popular flowering plant. Trumpet
shaped blooms, on this perennial plant, come in white, red, pink, purple,
and lavender. When in bloom, they will attract
Hummingbirds to your yard and flower
beds.
The most popular variety of Penstemon grow two to three feet tall. They look
good in beds and borders. Make sure to grow them within site from your window
or deck, where you can watch the hummingbirds as they visit the flowering
blooms.
Penstemon make good cut flowers.
Propagation:
Penstemon are grown from seeds. Sow Penstemon seeds directly into your flower
garden after all danger of frost has past and the soil has warmed. Or, start
them indoors. Place these small seeds at the top of the loose soil, and water
lightly into the soil.
Penstemon can also be propagated by rhizomes. We recommend you dig up and
divide the plants every 3-5 years. Simply dig up mature rhizomes, and replant
them. Make sure to offer some of these attractive flowers to your gardening
friends.
How to Grow Penstemon Flowers:
Penstemon plants are easy to grow. They prefer full sun, but will tolerate
partial shade. Penstemon plants need a well drained soil. They thrive in
loose, gravelly soil, and will do best in raised beds, or on hillsides and
slopes.
Space or thin plants to about 18" apart.
Water plants during dry periods. Roots, do not go deeply. Water to a depth
of three to four inches. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Add general
purpose fertilizer when planting, and every four to six weeks during the
season. Switch to a high phosphorous formula just before the blooming period.
Keep the areas weeded when plants are young.
Cut spikes when in full bloom, and place in your favorite vase. Or, leave
them in the flowerbed to attract hummingbirds. After blooming, cut back spent
flower spikes. This will promote re-blooming.
When the season is over, cut the plants back. Add a layer of mulch in colder
regions, to protect the rhizomes over the winter.
More Information:
Buy Penstemon Seeds
Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality
Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee
to grow".
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