Penstemon cardwellii — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Penstemon cardwellii

Penstemon Cardwellii

Updated · 10 observations
ON THIS PLANT
A note from PlantMom

Cardwell's beardtongue is fairly resistant to disease and is generally not prone to illness. Still, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment, though such problems are typically minor. Regarding maintenance, this plant needs a moderate level of care. Regular pruning is necessary to preserve an attractive appearance and support healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage more abundant flowering. Cardwell's beardtongue is well suited for anyone with outdoor areas like a garden or patio and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may, however, need more attention when cultivated indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Penstemon Cardwellii.

Light

Cardwell's beardtongue is a sun-loving perennial herbaceous plant native to open habitats, commonly found in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Water

Cardwell's beardtongue is well-adapted to dry environments, showing remarkable resistance to drought. For optimal growth, it's best to water it once a week. Usually grown outdoors, this plant thrives during the rainy season, effectively absorbing and storing water.

Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize Cardwell's beardtongue is in early spring, when it is coming out of dormancy and beginning active growth. Fertilizing supplies essential nutrients needed for healthy development. Although Cardwell's beardtongue has fairly low fertilizer requirements, applying fertilizer once a year can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.

Pruning

Cardwell's beardtongue showcases vibrant tubular flowers and greatly benefits from proper pruning. The key practices include removing dead stems in early spring and lightly trimming the plant after it blooms. Regular deadheading also encourages longer flowering periods. Effective pruning enhances the plant's health, prevents legginess, and improves its overall appearance.

Pot & Repot

To promote healthy growth and prevent root rot in Cardwell's beardtongue, make sure the pots have excellent drainage.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Penstemon
Family
Plantaginaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Purple, Lavender
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Cardwell's beardtongue
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How much sunlight does Cardwell's beardtongue require?

Cardwell's beardtongue, also known as Penstemon cardwellii, thrives in varying amounts of sunlight depending on the specific needs. For full sun exposure, it requires above 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you're considering a location with partial sun, it should receive about 3 to 6 hours of sunlight each day. It's important to observe the way sunlight moves through your garden, to find locations that offer an optimal balance of light and shade, ensuring the best growth and health of your plants.

What is Cardwell's beardtongue?

Cardwell's beardtongue, scientifically known as Penstemon cardwellii, is a plant species. Unfortunately, there's no additional information provided about its essentials or symptoms.

PLATES
Penstemon cardwellii flower
PLATE 01 · flower
Penstemon cardwellii flower
PLATE 02 · flower
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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