Contents
Description
Penstemon Cobaea, commonly known as Cobaea Beardtongue or Prairie Penstemon, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to North America, particularly in the Great Plains region. Penstemon Cobaea can grow up to 3 feet tall with an average spread of 1 to 2 feet. It produces long spikes of tubular-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers come in various shades of pink, purple, and blue with white throats that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
| Species | Cobaea |
Appearance
Penstemon Cobaea has lance-shaped leaves that are dark green and glossy, growing up to 6 inches long. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and have serrated edges. The stem of the plant is sturdy and upright, with a slight reddish tint. The flowers grow on long spikes, rising above the foliage. Each flower is tubular-shaped, with five petals fused into a tube, and has a prominent white throat. The flowers can reach up to 2 inches long and come in colors ranging from pink to purple to blue. The plant’s fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Penstemon Cobaea is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for growing and maintaining this plant:- Water: Penstemon Cobaea prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.- Fertilization: Penstemon Cobaea does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and again in the summer.- Soil: Penstemon Cobaea prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter before planting.- Sunlight: Penstemon Cobaea prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will produce fewer flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Penstemon Cobaea is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Penstemon Cobaea is generally a healthy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can still be susceptible to the following:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wither. Use a spray of water to wash the leaves or apply insecticidal soap to control spider mites.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply fungicide to prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Habitat
Penstemon Cobaea is native to the Great Plains region of North America, where it grows in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate moderate drought conditions. Penstemon Cobaea is also a popular garden plant, used in borders and rock gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Penstemon Cobaea?
A: Water your Penstemon Cobaea deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Q: What type of soil does Penstemon Cobaea prefer?
A: Penstemon Cobaea prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter before planting.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Penstemon Cobaea?
A: Penstemon Cobaea is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Q: What pests and diseases are common in Penstemon Cobaea?
A: Penstemon Cobaea is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can still be susceptible to spider mites and powdery mildew.
Related Plants
– Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue)- Penstemon grandiflorus (Large-flowered Beardtongue)- Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue)- Penstemon mexicali (Mexican Penstemon)- Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain Penstemon)
References
– “Penstemon Cobaea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=260280.- “Penstemon Cobaea.” Plant Database. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/penstemon/cobaea/. – “Penstemon Cobaea.” Fine Gardening. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.finegardening.com/plant/penstemon-cobaea.
