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Description
Penstemon Pinifolius, also known as pineleaf penstemon or pine-leaved penstemon, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. Penstemon Pinifolius is a popular plant among gardeners due to its stunning bright red, orange, and yellow tubular flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
Appearance
Penstemon Pinifolius has a bushy and compact growth habit and can reach a height of 1 to 2 feet and a width of 1 to 2 feet. The plant has evergreen needle-like leaves that are bright green in color, measuring 1 to 3 inches long and 1/16 inch wide. The flowers are tubular and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. The flowers come in shades of bright red, orange, and yellow, and are about 1 inch long.
Care Guide
Penstemon Pinifolius is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips to care for it:- Water: Penstemon Pinifolius prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.- Fertilization: Penstemon Pinifolius does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: Penstemon Pinifolius prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Amend the soil with organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.- Sunlight: Penstemon Pinifolius thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Penstemon Pinifolius is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Penstemon Pinifolius is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, leafhoppers, and slugs. To prevent these pests, keep the plant healthy and remove any dead or damaged foliage. In terms of diseases, Penstemon Pinifolius may be prone to root rot if the soil is kept too wet.
Habitat
Penstemon Pinifolius is native to the southwestern United States, where it grows in dry, rocky soils at elevations of 4,000 to 8,000 feet. It is commonly found in open woodlands, rocky slopes, and meadows.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Penstemon Pinifolius a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Penstemon Pinifolius is a good plant for beginners. It is low-maintenance and easy to grow.
Q: How often should I water Penstemon Pinifolius?
A: Water Penstemon Pinifolius deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Penstemon Pinifolius?
A: Penstemon Pinifolius prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Penstemon Pinifolius?
A: Penstemon Pinifolius is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Related Plants
– Penstemon digitalis- Penstemon palmeri- Penstemon rostriflorus- Penstemon strictus- Penstemon whippleanus
References
– “Penstemon Pinifolius.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b551.- “Pineleaf Penstemon.” Colorado State University Extension, https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/pineleaf-penstemon-7-425/.- “Penstemon Pinifolius.” Plant Database, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEPI3.
