Perennials

Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’

Beardtongue

Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’: 105 cm high and 105 cm wide, full sun. Lavender, white flowers in June-August. Zone 3; choose a soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

Share
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 3

Discover the plant

Common namePenstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’
FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusBeardtongue
CultivarOnyx and Pearls
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameBeardtongue

Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’, known in the garden as Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’, combines lavender and white blooms with an easy-to-place volume within the composition. Among its distinctive features: tubular flowers. The foliage exhibits shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is June-August. At maturity, expect 105 cm in height and 105 cm in width, which suggests its use at the back of a border and as a focal point.

The success of Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’ begins with its location: full sun, in suitable soil (drained garden soil, maintaining moderate moisture during establishment). Support the rooting of Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’ with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily applications on already moist soil. A margin corresponding to its spread of 105 cm prevents the need to move the clump in the first seasons. The indicated hardiness level is zone 3, to be considered according to your garden's conditions.

To maintain the appeal of Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’ after flowering, remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and monitor crown 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, echinaceas, and daylilies in varieties with similar needs. Keep its 105 cm height in mind to position lower plants on the right side and allow the flowers to remain visible during June-August.

Penstémon ‘Onyx and Pearls’ — Penstemon

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 105 cm
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots time to settle before the severe cold.
Growing method
Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’: Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots to establish before the cold weather sets in. Support the establishment of Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’ with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; constantly saturated soil is less suitable than aerated soil.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Sour; general botanical group indicator

Care level

Regular maintenance

Watering

Once Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' is established, water deeply, then check the moisture level before watering again. Adjust frequency based on rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings if the soil is already damp.

Soil type

Drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during installation

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Moderate humidity; water according to the actual condition of the root ball

Seasonal care

Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’: remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and check for crown regrowth in spring. During its flowering period (June-August), also look out for damaged stems and neighboring plants that might be obscuring the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

A stable, perforated container, noticeably wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and the adult development.
To try Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (105 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan for container protection in winter depending on your climate.
Penstémon ‘Onyx and Pearls’ — Penstemon

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

3.5 feet (1.07 m)

Width / spread

3.5 feet (1.07 m)

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Green

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Not documented for this selection

Bloom period

June-August
Penstémon ‘Onyx and Pearls’ — Penstemon

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Companion plants for Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’ to consider: campanulas, echinaceas, daylilies. Choose varieties that tolerate sun and comparable moisture; allow each clump its mature space.

Plants to avoid

Around Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’, especially avoid neighboring plants that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Light, water, and size compatibility take precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls'?
Provide sun and suitable soil (drained garden soil that retains moderate moisture during installation). Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; soil that is consistently saturated is less suitable for it than aerated soil.
What place to reserve for Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls'?
Expect it to reach about 105 cm in height and 105 cm in width at maturity. Approximately 105 cm on-center, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use at the back of a flower bed and as a focal point.
When does Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' bloom?
The period indicated is June-August. The flower palette is lavender, white. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season and the plant's establishment.
How to water and care for Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’?
When establishing Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls', water deeply, then check soil moisture 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 monitor crown regrowth in spring.
Can 'Onyx and Pearls' Penstemon be grown in a pot?
To try Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (105 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.