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Penstemon hartwegii (Scarlet beard tongue)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.7m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Penstemon hartwegii
Other names
Scarlet beard tongue, Hartweg penstemon
Genus
Penstemon Penstemon
Species
P. hartwegii - P. hartwegii is a semi-evergreen perennial with narrow foliage and sturdy purple. stems which carry pink and white flowers in late summer.
Penstemon hartwegii is: Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Upright
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Bright-red, White in Summer; White, Bright-red in Autumn
Foliage
Green in Summer; Green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Leaf and bud eelworms , Slugs , Snails Leaf and bud eelworms , Slugs , Snails
Downy mildew Downy mildew
General care
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour. In autumn, cut back by 2/3 of plant height to prevent wind damage, leaving 1/3 to protect the crown from frost. Remove all old stems at the base in mid- to late spring once new shoots emerge at ground level.
Propagation methods
Division, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Penstemon hartwegii (Scarlet beard tongue) will reach a height of 0.7m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), City, Cottage/Informal
Cultivation
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds and frost. Tolerates light shade. Protect with a dry winter mulch.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Penstemon hartwegii
Other names
Scarlet beard tongue, Hartweg penstemon
Genus
Penstemon Penstemon
Species
P. hartwegii - P. hartwegii is a semi-evergreen perennial with narrow foliage and sturdy purple. stems which carry pink and white flowers in late summer.
Native to
Mexico
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Upright
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Bright-red, White in Summer; White, Bright-red in Autumn
Foliage
Green in Summer; Green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Leaf and bud eelworms , Slugs , Snails
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour. In autumn, cut back by 2/3 of plant height to prevent wind damage, leaving 1/3 to protect the crown from frost. Remove all old stems at the base in mid- to late spring once new shoots emerge at ground level.
Propagation methods
Division, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Penstemon hartwegii (Scarlet beard tongue) will reach a height of 0.7m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), City, Cottage/Informal
Cultivation
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds and frost. Tolerates light shade. Protect with a dry winter mulch.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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