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Description
Penstemon Triflorus, also known as the Three-Flowered Penstemon or Nuttall’s Penstemon, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as rocky slopes, mountain meadows, and open forests.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
Appearance
The Penstemon Triflorus plant can grow up to 1 to 2 feet tall with a spread of about 1 to 2 feet wide. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green and can grow up to 3 inches long. The flowers are tubular, with a lavender to purple hue and white throats. They bloom from May to August and attract hummingbirds and bees.
Care Guide
The Penstemon Triflorus plant requires well-drained soil and prefers full sun exposure. It can tolerate partial shade but may not bloom as much. Watering should be done once a week, and fertilization can be done in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Penstemon Triflorus plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It may also attract spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Habitat
The Penstemon Triflorus plant is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as rocky slopes, mountain meadows, and open forests. It can grow in elevations up to 10,000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Penstemon Triflorus plant drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, it is moderately drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Can the Penstemon Triflorus plant grow in containers?
A: Yes, it can grow in containers as long as it has well-drained soil.
Q: How often should I prune my Penstemon Triflorus plant?
A: Pruning can be done in the fall or early spring to promote growth and prevent legginess.
Q: Can the Penstemon Triflorus plant be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, it can be propagated by stem cuttings in the summer.
Related Plants
- Penstemon Barbatus
- Penstemon Digitalis
- Penstemon Grandiflorus
- Penstemon Hartwegii
- Penstemon Rupicola
References
- Bonnie’s Plants. (n.d.). Penstemon triflorus. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://bonniesplants.com/product/penstemon-triflorus/
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Penstemon triflorus. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m700
- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Penstemon triflorus. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/penstemon-triflorus/
