Penstemon tenuis Penstemon tenuis, also known as Brazos Penstemon, Brazos Beardtongue, Sharpsepal Beardtongue, Gulf Penstemon, and Gulf Beardtongue, is a delightful plant native to the southeastern and East Texas regions. With its lovely tapering leaves that usually grow 3-6 inches long and boast a medium green hue. It typically remains evergreen in North Texas, showcasing foliage that can stretch up to 12 inches wide and tall. When spring arrives, this charming plant sends up flower spikes, reaching up to 30 inches, and fills the air with its vibrant blooms. In mid-to-late spring, Penstemon tenuis bursts into a spectacular display of light purple flowers on multiple spikes, creating the enchanting look of a cloud of blossoms that lasts for several delightful weeks. Occasionally, it might surprise you with another round of blooms in the fall, though these will be a bit more modest in number. After flowering, the plant offers attractive, rugged 0.5-inch seed capsules filled with tiny seeds that stay on the plant throughout the winter, adding a bit of character unless they are pruned away. Gulf Coast Penstemon is cherished primarily for its stunning lavender-purple flowers, inviting bees, insects, butterflies, and hummingbirds to enjoy its nectar. The blooms are also long-lasting in bouquets, making them a fantastic addition to a cutting garden. With a knack for self-seeding, this plant can create a lush mat that serves as beautiful ground cover over time. To keep seeding in check, simply snip the flower stalks after they bloom; this little trick might inspire a second wave of flowers. BONAP MAP Height: 1’-2'Spread: 1.5’-2' Bloom: March-JuneLight: Full Sun-Dappled ShadeWater: MediumZone: 7-11Origin: Texas
Related
Related