Parry's Penstemon
penstemon parryi
Also known as: ["Parry Beardtongue","Parry's Beardtongue"]
Overview
A deciduous perennial native to the southwestern United States, known for its striking tubular flowers and drought tolerance.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Penstemon |
| Botanical Name: | Penstemon parryi |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: raised garden bed or rock garden in a sunny, open area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season; prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or weak stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for shape or health.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, every 2–3 weeks in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a cactus or succulent mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid overwatering in heavy soils.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Monitor temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; adjust watering in extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to remove salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; plants may take several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; cut just above a leaf node or bud; remove spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; deadhead regularly; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root system; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, sand, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in excessive heat; wilting or leaf drop in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback; prolonged cold may lead to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; ensure well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; high humidity may promote fungal diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply to combat heat stress; ensure good air circulation to reduce humidity.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; stop in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPenstemon parryi is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPenstemon parryi is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPenstemon parryi is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Penstemon parryi be watered?
A: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Penstemon parryi attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Can Penstemon parryi be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, but ensure the pot has excellent drainage to mimic its natural arid conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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