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Hardy perennial
Plantaginaceae
Perennials
Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’
Beardtongue
Penstemon 'Blackbeard': 86.5 cm high and 61 cm spread, full sun exposure. Purple flowers in July-August. Zone 3; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 3
Discover the plant
Common namePenstemon ‘Blackbeard’
FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusBeardtongue
CultivarBarbe noire
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameBeardtongue
For a sun-drenched display, Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’ (Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’) offers flowers in shades of purple. Its foliage has purplish hues, which should be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is July-August. Its size of 86.5 cm by 61 cm reserves it a place in the middle of a flower bed and for group plantings, without forgetting space for its neighbours.
To plant Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’, look for the following exposure: sun and a suitable soil (drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during establishment). Support the rooting of Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’ with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency to rainfall and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. A margin corresponding to its 61 cm spread avoids having to move the clump in the first few seasons. The indicated hardiness level is zone 3, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.
To maintain the appeal of Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’ after flowering, remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and monitor the crown's regrowth in spring. Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; persistently saturated soil is less suitable for it than aerated soil. For pairings, consider campanulas, daylilies, and perennial geraniums in varieties with similar needs. Its flowering period (July-August) and spread of 61 cm will serve as guides for arranging other plants around it.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
24 in
Best planting time
Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to establish before the severe cold.
Growing method
Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’: Spring after the thaw or early fall, allowing time for the roots to establish before the severe cold. Support the establishment of Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’ with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency to rainfall and heat; avoid small daily applications on already moist soil. Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; persistently saturated soil is less suitable than well-aerated soil.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid; general botanical group indication
Care level
Routine maintenance
Watering
Help Penstemon 'Blackbeard' establish itself with deep waterings, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Adjust the frequency based on rainfall and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil.
Soil type
Well-drained garden soil, maintaining moderate moisture during installation
Fertilization
Fertilizer for flowering
Moisture
Moderate humidity; water according to the actual state of the root ball
Seasonal care
Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’: remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and check for new growth from the crown in spring. During its flowering period (July-August), also monitor for damaged stems and neighbouring plants that may overshadow the clump.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Stable and perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; dimensions to be adapted to the sold format and adult development.
To try Penstemon 'Blackbeard' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suited to the root ball and its future spread (24 inches). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
34 inches (86.5 cm)
Width / spread
24 inches (61 cm)
Flower color
Purple
Foliage color
Green
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Erected
Fragrance
Not documented for this selection
Bloom period
July-August
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Consider these pairings for Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’: campanulas, daylilies, perennial geraniums. Select varieties that tolerate full sun and comparable moisture; allow each clump its mature space.
Plants to avoid
Around Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’, especially avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Where to plant Penstemon 'Blackbeard'?
Provide sun and a suitable soil (drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during installation). Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; soil that is consistently saturated is less suitable for it than aerated soil.
Where should I plant Penstemon 'Blackbeard'?
Allow approximately 86.5 cm in height and 61 cm in width at maturity. Approximately 61 cm on center, to be adjusted according to actual clump development. This size is suitable for use in the middle of a flowerbed and for group planting.
When does Penstemon 'Blackbeard' bloom?
The period indicated is July-August. The flower color is purple. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season, and the plant's establishment.
How to water and care for Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’?
Help establish Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’ with deep watering, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Adjust frequency based on rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. Remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and watch for crown regrowth in spring.
Can Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’ be grown in a pot?
To try Penstemon 'Blackbeard' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future spread (24 inches). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan for winter protection for the container depending on your climate.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
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The right extras.Right here.
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