Penstemon hirsutus 'Pygmaeus'

©2000

BEARD TONGUE
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Pronounced: pen-STAY-mon

GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin: Garden.
Plant Group: Perennial.
Hardiness: Sunset zones: Not Listed.
USDA zones: 3-9.

©1999

Mature size: Height: 6 inches (15 cm).
Width: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm).
Flowering period: Mid spring through summer.
Flowering attributes: Long, tubular, lavender flowers with white throats.
Leaf attributes: Bright green, lance-shaped leaves on dark violet-purple stems.
Growth habit: Prostrate.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
Feeding: I keep penstemons on the lean side; they tend to live longer if not over-fertilized. Fertilize in spring when growth begins, with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods: Sow seed in late winter. | Divide in spring. | Softwood cuttings in summer.

Rainy Side Notes

This perennial was sold to me as Penstemon hirsutus, but it soon proved to be the dwarf variety—P. hirsutus 'Pygmaeus'. Understandably, why I received P. 'Pygmaeus, most P. hirsutus grown are the dwarf form. Linnaeus mistook this species as the genus Chelone and named it C. hirsuta.

This little shrubby penstemon looks exceptional draped over a rock wall and as an edging plant with its evergreen leaves and long flowering period.

More Penstemons.

Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

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