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Description
Penstemon Strictus, also known as Rocky Mountain Penstemon, is a perennial flowering plant native to North America. This plant belongs to the family Plantaginaceae, and it can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide. It has a clump-forming growth habit and produces showy spikes of blue-violet flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are tubular in shape and have five lobes, and they attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and deep green, and they form a basal rosette at the base of the plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
Appearance
Penstemon Strictus has a striking appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. The plant has a tall, upright habit and produces spikes of blue-violet flowers that can grow up to 2 feet long. The flowers are tubular in shape and have five lobes, and they are arranged in whorls along the stem. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and deep green, and they form a basal rosette at the base of the plant. The stems are sturdy and can withstand windy conditions without bending or breaking. Penstemon Strictus blooms from late spring to early summer, and the flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to the garden.
Care Guide
Penstemon Strictus is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it requires certain conditions to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water: Penstemon Strictus prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, and more often in hot, dry weather.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, and again in midsummer. Avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as they can cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers.
Soil: Penstemon Strictus prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Penstemon Strictus prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may produce fewer flowers and have weaker stems.
Hardiness Zones: Penstemon Strictus is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. It can tolerate cold temperatures and is drought-tolerant once established.
Common Pests & Diseases
Penstemon Strictus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to certain issues. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:
Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves, and can spin webs on the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Crown rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. Avoid overwatering and make sure the soil is well-drained. Remove and destroy any infected plants.
Habitat
Penstemon Strictus is native to the Rocky Mountains and other parts of North America. It grows in open, rocky areas and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. This plant is adapted to cold, dry climates and is drought-tolerant once established. It is an important food source for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Penstemon Strictus a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Penstemon Strictus is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: How often should I water Penstemon Strictus?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, and more often in hot, dry weather.
Q: Can Penstemon Strictus tolerate shade?
A: Penstemon Strictus prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may produce fewer flowers and have weaker stems.
Q: Can Penstemon Strictus attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, Penstemon Strictus produces showy spikes of blue-violet flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Penstemon Strictus:
- Penstemon barbatus
- Penstemon digitalis
- Penstemon eatonii
- Penstemon palmeri
- Penstemon rydbergii
References
- https://www.gardenguides.com/122051-penstemon-strictus-care.html
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b684
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/penstemon_strictus.shtml
- https://www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/penstemon/penstemon-strictus
