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Description
Penstemon Gairdneri is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is commonly known as Gairdner’s penstemon and is native to North America. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of about 2 feet. It has dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers of Penstemon Gairdneri are tubular and grow in shades of pink, purple, and blue. They bloom from late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
Appearance
Penstemon Gairdneri is a striking plant with a tall, upright habit. Its lance-shaped leaves are dark green and grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers of Penstemon Gairdneri are tubular and grow in shades of pink, purple, and blue. They are up to 1 inch long and grow in clusters on the stem. The flowers have five lobes and a white throat. They bloom from late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Penstemon Gairdneri is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:Water: Penstemon Gairdneri prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be over-watered. Water the plant deeply once a week in the absence of rain. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause fungal diseases.Fertilization: Fertilize Penstemon Gairdneri once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter months.Soil: Penstemon Gairdneri prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.Sunlight: Penstemon Gairdneri prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to bloom properly.Hardiness Zones: Penstemon Gairdneri is hardy in USDA zones 5-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Penstemon Gairdneri is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:Pests: Aphids and spider mites can infest Penstemon Gairdneri. Use insecticidal soap to control these pests.Diseases: Powdery mildew and root rot can affect Penstemon Gairdneri. Avoid overhead watering and keep the soil well-drained to prevent these diseases.
Habitat
Penstemon Gairdneri is native to North America and is found in a variety of habitats such as meadows, woodlands, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does Penstemon Gairdneri grow?
A: Penstemon Gairdneri can grow up to 3 feet tall.Q: What are the colors of the flowers of Penstemon Gairdneri?
A: The flowers of Penstemon Gairdneri grow in shades of pink, purple, and blue.Q: How often should I water Penstemon Gairdneri?
A: Water Penstemon Gairdneri deeply once a week in the absence of rain.Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Penstemon Gairdneri?
A: Aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and root rot can affect Penstemon Gairdneri.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Penstemon Gairdneri:- Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove beardtongue)- Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain penstemon)- Penstemon palmeri (Palmer’s penstemon)- Penstemon barbatus (Beardtongue)
References
– “Penstemon Gairdneri.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287721&isprofile=0&.- “Growing Penstemon.” American Penstemon Society, www.americanpenstemon.org/growing-penstemon.
