Penstemon 'Blackbeard' PP30052

Common Name: Beardtongue

Blackbeard was a famous English pirate known for his black facial hair. The name of this hardy perennial is a play on words from the common name for Penstemon, Beardtongue. The dark feature referenced on this plant is its incredible foliage. Dark purple flower stems hold its lilac purple flowers with their white flaring tubes high above the low mound of deep eggplant purple leaves. Attractive dark burgundy seed pods follow the flowering performance for extended seasonal interest. ‘Blackbeard’ stays strictly upright all season long with no lodging.

Like all of our Penstemons, this one takes the heat and humidity in stride but is also very cold hardy. It continues to provide terrific color in the landscape all season long.

Penstemons are very drought tolerant perennials that are easy to grow and are rarely bothered by insects or diseases. Plant them in full sun and watch as hummingbirds feast on their delicious nectar.

Available Sizes (Wholesale):

Product Profile

72ct Plug Tray

Grade #1 Bare Root

Height:

28.0-34.0 Inches

Spread:

24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Near-black shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Hummingbirds Bee Friendly

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Prairie Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Native to North America

Penstemons should be grown in full sun and very well-drained soil to avoid root rot. Soil fertility need only be average, but a light mulch in winter is recommended. Use Penstemons in the border, for naturalizing, and for cut flowers.

Penstemon

Download .PDF

72ct

Container:

Premium 1 Gallon Pot

When to Plant:

Late summer

Finish:

10-12 weeks

Notes:

Plant small plugs in late summer, then vernalize.

Grade #1

Container:

Premium 1 Gallon Pot

When to Plant:

Late winter to spring

Finish:

6-8 weeks

Growing Temperature:

60-65° F

Holding Temperature:

50-60° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

1.5-2.5 pour through method

Fertility:

Feed 100-150 ppm N at each watering.

Vernalization:

Provide 8 weeks of temperatures below 40° F.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, thrip, and spider mites are the main pests of Penstemon.
Crown and root rots can be problematic if grown under improper conditions. A fungicide drench is recommended after planting bare root.

Potting & Timing:

Plant small plugs in late summer for bulking purposes.
Bare root is best for quick turn spring crops or larger containers such as 2-3 gallon.

Moisture:

Moderate moisture

Planting Level:

Plant crown even with soil line.

PGRs/Pinching:

Daminozide (B-Nine/Dazide) at 2500 ppm or paclobutrazole (Bonzi) at 5-10 ppm are effective at controlling elongation.

Lighting:

High light levels produce the best looking plants. Direct sunlight outdoors is best for achieving the proper foliage color. Flowers under natural daylengths.

Download Large Benchcard

Download Small Benchcard

Order Professionally Printed Benchcards from MasterTag

Download Images

Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' Culture and Production Tips

Characteristics

Height:

28.0-34.0 Inches

Spread:

24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Near-black shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Hummingbirds Bee Friendly

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Prairie Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Native to North America

Companions

Gardening Tips

Cultural Info

Penstemon

Download .PDF

72ct

Container:

Premium 1 Gallon Pot

When to Plant:

Late summer

Finish:

10-12 weeks

Notes:

Plant small plugs in late summer, then vernalize.

Grade #1

Container:

Premium 1 Gallon Pot

When to Plant:

Late winter to spring

Finish:

6-8 weeks

Growing Temperature:

60-65° F

Holding Temperature:

50-60° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

1.5-2.5 pour through method

Fertility:

Feed 100-150 ppm N at each watering.

Vernalization:

Provide 8 weeks of temperatures below 40° F.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, thrip, and spider mites are the main pests of Penstemon.
Crown and root rots can be problematic if grown under improper conditions. A fungicide drench is recommended after planting bare root.

Potting & Timing:

Plant small plugs in late summer for bulking purposes.
Bare root is best for quick turn spring crops or larger containers such as 2-3 gallon.

Moisture:

Moderate moisture

Planting Level:

Plant crown even with soil line.

PGRs/Pinching:

Daminozide (B-Nine/Dazide) at 2500 ppm or paclobutrazole (Bonzi) at 5-10 ppm are effective at controlling elongation.

Lighting:

High light levels produce the best looking plants. Direct sunlight outdoors is best for achieving the proper foliage color. Flowers under natural daylengths.