Contents
Description
Penstemon Deustus, also known as Firecracker Penstemon, is a perennial plant species native to North America. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is known for its beautiful, tubular red flowers. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and has a spread of about 1 foot. It blooms in late spring and early summer and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
Appearance
Penstemon Deustus has green lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 4 inches long. The stems are square and have a reddish tint. The flowers are tubular, about 1 inch long, and have five petals. They are a bright, deep red color and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and has a spread of about 1 foot.
Care Guide
Penstemon Deustus is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your Firecracker Penstemon healthy:- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: You don’t need to fertilize Penstemon Deustus, but you can add a balanced fertilizer in the spring if you want.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate some clay, but it doesn’t like soggy soil.- Sunlight: Firecracker Penstemon needs full sun to partial shade. It can’t tolerate too much shade.- Hardiness Zones: Penstemon Deustus is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Firecracker Penstemon is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues you may encounter:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. You can control them by spraying your plant with water and insecticidal soap.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. You can prevent it by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.- Root rot: This can happen if the soil is too wet. Make sure your plant is in well-draining soil and don’t overwater it.
Habitat
Penstemon Deustus is native to North America and can be found in dry, rocky areas. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun. This plant is drought-tolerant and can handle some cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I propagate Penstemon Deustus?
A: Yes, you can propagate this plant through division or stem cuttings.
Q: When should I prune my Firecracker Penstemon?
A: Prune it in the fall after it has finished blooming.
Q: How often should I water my Penstemon Deustus?
A: Water it when the soil is dry to the touch, but don’t let it get waterlogged.
Q: Does Penstemon Deustus attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its bright red flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some related Penstemon species:- Penstemon Barbatus (Beardtongue)- Penstemon Grandiflorus (Large-Flowered Beardtongue)- Penstemon Strictus (Rocky Mountain Penstemon)
References
– “Penstemon deustus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 11 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281485.- “Penstemon deustus.” PlantFiles. Accessed 11 May 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56395/.- “Penstemon deustus.” Washington Native Plant Society. Accessed 11 May 2021. https://www.wnps.org/plants/penstemon-deustus.
