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Description
Penstemon Centranthifolius, also known as the Scarlet Bugler, is a beautiful flowering plant native to western North America. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 3 feet tall. The plant produces stunning scarlet red tubular flowers that bloom from late spring to summer. The flowers attract hummingbirds and bees, making it a great addition to any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
Appearance
Penstemon Centranthifolius has a slender stem with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are 2-3 inches long. The leaves are a grayish-green color and grow in opposite pairs along the stem. The plant produces scarlet red tubular flowers that are 1 inch long and bloom from late spring to summer. The flowers have a yellowish-white throat and are arranged in clusters on the top of the stem. The plant has a bushy, upright growth habit and can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Care Guide
Penstemon Centranthifolius is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and needs to be watered regularly during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Add organic matter to the soil to improve its structure and fertility.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Penstemon Centranthifolius is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Penstemon Centranthifolius is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid over-watering. The plant can also attract aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Penstemon Centranthifolius is native to western North America, specifically California, Nevada, and Oregon. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, chaparral, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q1: Is Penstemon Centranthifolius deer-resistant?
A1: Yes, Penstemon Centranthifolius is deer-resistant.
Q2: Can Penstemon Centranthifolius be grown in containers?
A2: Yes, Penstemon Centranthifolius can be grown in containers as long as the container is big enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q3: How often should I fertilize Penstemon Centranthifolius?
A3: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Q4: How can I propagate Penstemon Centranthifolius?
A4: Penstemon Centranthifolius can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the summer or by dividing the plant in the fall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Penstemon Centranthifolius:- Penstemon Barbatus- Penstemon Davidsonii- Penstemon Digitalis- Penstemon Grandiflorus- Penstemon Hartwegii
References
– “Penstemon Centranthifolius.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j660. Accessed 25 Aug. 2021.- “Penstemon Centranthifolius.” Plant Database, University of Connecticut, www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=351. Accessed 25 Aug. 2021.- “Penstemon Centranthifolius.” USDA Plants Database, United States Department of Agriculture, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=pece2. Accessed 25 Aug. 2021.
