Last updated on January 20th, 2024 at 12:52 pm
Penstemon parryi care and watering. Also, called Parry’s Penstemon, and Beardtongue. It is considered a wildflower and is native to the Sonoran desert and the Southern part of Arizona and New Mexico.
My first encounter with Penstemon parryi was its bright pink flowers and the large curly leaves. I thought “Is this a wildflower”? It will get about 4ft. tall and 1ft. wide. The flowers range from white to pink and dark purple.
Where to place these plants
Plant them in the background with shorter perennials or annuals in the front. However, in and around the American Southwest it gets really hot, place them where there is shade during the hot summer months. From my experience, the flowers will bloom longer.
Care and Watering
This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun during the early spring so make sure to choose a location that meets these requirements. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball and gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole. Fill in the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
It is a drought-tolerant plant but needs plenty of water in the first and second year after initial planting. Every other day during the spring, and summer months. After the second year, you can cut down considerably.
Equally important is to know that this Penstemon is a perennial, meaning it will come back in the following years. They produce tubular flowers perfect for Hummingbirds and Butterflies they love this plant.
Problems with this plant
It is relatively insect and disease resistant but on occasions, aphids and white fly will invade this plant. A good insecticidal soap spray will kill these insects. How to use Insecticidal soaps.
In addition, it may develop a fungus namely powdery mildew. Usually caused by too much shade, overwatering, and overhead water spraying.
Furthermore, after the plant is done blooming it is time to trim it down to the stems or shorter. Then, cover with mulch to help keep the roots warm during the winter seasons.
Guzman’s Garden Centers will normally have this plant available in early spring. Ask for them at your local Nursery. Also, you can sometimes find the seeds here: Parry’s Penstemon.
Learn more about Penstemons here: Penstemon Plants for Landscape Color
Do you have any additional tips for caring for this plant? Let us know by adding your comments below.
