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Description
Penstemon Digitalis, commonly known as foxglove beardtongue, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It belongs to the family Plantaginaceae and is characterized by its tall spikes of white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, and naturalized areas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
Appearance
The leaves of Penstemon Digitalis are lance-shaped and glossy green, growing up to 6 inches long. The plant produces tall spikes of tubular white flowers that are 1-2 inches long and have a light pink tinge. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After the flowers have faded, the plant produces seed capsules that can be used for propagation.
Care Guide
Penstemon Digitalis is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it still requires proper care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: Water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.Soil: Penstemon Digitalis prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If the soil is too heavy, amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.Hardiness Zones: Penstemon Digitalis is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Penstemon Digitalis is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and thrips can all infest this plant. Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for signs of infestation and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.Diseases: Powdery mildew and root rot can be issues for Penstemon Digitalis. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Penstemon Digitalis is native to North America and can be found growing in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Penstemon Digitalis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is not overwatered.Q: How often should Penstemon Digitalis be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.Q: How tall does Penstemon Digitalis grow?
A: This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall.Q: Can Penstemon Digitalis be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from seed. Collect the seed capsules after the flowers have faded and sow the seeds in early spring.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Penstemon Digitalis:- Penstemon Cobaea- Penstemon Grandiflorus- Penstemon Hartwegii- Penstemon Hirsutus- Penstemon Strictus
References
– “Penstemon Digitalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278593&isprofile=0&letter=p- “Penstemon Digitalis.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/penstemon-digitalis/- “Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon Digitalis).” Ontario Wildflowers. http://www.ontariowildflowers.com/main/species.php?id=1629
