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Penstemon ‘Apple Blossom’ (Beardtongue)

Beardtongue 'Apple Blossom', Beard Tongue 'Apple Blossom'

Penstemon 'Apple Blossom',Beardtongue 'Apple Blossom', Pink Penstemon, Evergreen Penstemon, Beard Tongue 'Apple Blossom'

Penstemon ‘Apple Blossom’ is an alluring semi-evergreen perennial, prized for its delicate, apple-blossom-pink flowers with a contrasting white throat, gracing gardens with color from late spring to early fall.

Penstemon ‘Apple Blossom’: An In-depth Look

Native: This cultivar is not a native species but derived from parent species native to North America.

Plant Type and Habit: It’s a herbaceous perennial with a semi-evergreen habit in milder climates. It has a clump-forming habit that makes it suitable as a border plant.

Size: This Penstemon grows vigorously to 20-24 inches tall (50-60 cm) and 16-18 in. wide (40-45 cm), adding lovely vertical lines to the landscape.

Flowers: It showcases large, bell-shaped, white-throated, pale pink flowers, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), on erect dark reddish stems.

Bloom Time: Expect a spectacular show from late spring through fall.

Foliage: The flowers rise above the foliage mound of lance-shaped medium-green leaves.

Uses: This Penstemon is versatile, suitable for border plantings, container gardens, rock gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscapes. Good as cut flowers, too!

Pollinators: Penstemon is attractive to various pollinators, especially bees and hummingbirds, drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.

Toxicity: Penstemons are not known to be toxic to humans or pets. However, it’s always prudent to prevent ingestion of any non-edible plants.

Deer and Rabbit: A bonus is its resistance to deer and rabbits, a characteristic attributed to the texture and taste of the foliage that these animals generally find unappealing.

Drought: Once established, this Penstemon shows good drought tolerance. While it prefers consistent moisture levels, it can endure short periods of dry conditions, a boon for gardeners in more arid climates.

Invasiveness: Penstemons are not known for being invasive.

Penstemon Growing Tips

Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun per day). Tolerates light shade.

Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial. Penstemons prefer rocky or sandy lean soils rather than rich garden loam. Avoid overly moist, poorly drained soils.

Water: Water well until plants are established. Once established, Penstemons tolerate some drought. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Over-watering or wet soils can lead to root rot.

Fertilizer: Penstemon plants generally do not require heavy fertilization and can thrive in relatively lean soil conditions. However, providing them with a light application of an organic fertilizer in the fall can help boost their growth and flowering potential.

Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back plants in late autumn or early spring to promote vigorous growth.

Mulching: Mulching Penstemon can help regulate ground temperature and suppress weed growth. Choose a mulch that does not hold water. Use organic materials like shredded bark, compost, or pine straw. Avoiding direct contact with the stems to prevent rot and pest issues.

Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer. Propagate by division in spring.

Pests and Diseases: No serious pest or disease issues, but watch for slugs, snails, and nematodes. Fungal diseases can occur in overly wet conditions; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent issues like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Rust can cause small, rust-colored pustules on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and stunted growth.

Penstemon: How to Grow and Care with Success


Properly growing Penstemon ensures robust, vibrant blooms and foliage, enhances garden biodiversity by attracting pollinators, prevents disease, and maintains plant health. Thriving plants provide longer-lasting beauty and environmental benefits, contributing positively to local ecosystems and the aesthetic value of your landscape.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Common names Penstemon, Beardtongue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Coastal Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Penstemon pallidus (Pale Beardtongue)
Penstemon pseudospectabilis (Desert Beardtongue)
Penstemon parryi (Parry’s Beardtongue)
Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Electric Blue’ (Foothill Beardtongue)
Penstemon ‘Evelyn’ (Beardtongue)
Penstemon ovatus (Eggleaf Beardtongue)

Recommended Companion Plants

Agapanthus africanus (African Lily)
Kniphofia ‘Tawny King’ (Red Hot Poker)
Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ (Coral Bells)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Common names Penstemon, Beardtongue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Coastal Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
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