Gentian Beardtongue
Penstemon gentianoides
- Native to:
- Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico
Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata,Louis-Aristide-Léon Constans (1815-1871),Stickpen,Thompson, William,Paxton, Sir Joseph, 1803-1865.,Dick Culbert (www.flickr.com) from Gibsons, B.C., Canada,Ruff tuff cream puff,Jean-Paul Boerekamps https://www.inaturalist.org/people/jeanpaulboerekamps (www.inaturalist.org),K Kacheltje https://www.inaturalist.org/people/kkacheltje (www.inaturalist.org),John Lindley and Joseph Paxton , drawing by L. A. L. Constans,Stickpen,Thomas Hogg (Firm)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Plantaginaceae
- Genus:
- Penstemon
- Species:
- Penstemon gentianoides
- USDA Symbol:
- PEGE3
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, lavender, pink
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to mountainous regions with volcanic soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Light aids germination; sow on surface or barely cover. Cold stratification improves germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Most interbreed and seed may not be what is labelled; germinates best with stored seed, even as long as 10 years at 20°