Common Name: beardtongue
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Plantaginaceae
Zone: 6 to 9
Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Description: Purple with white inside
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Plants have some tolerance for drought, summer heat and humidity. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils. Remove spent flowering racemes to prolong bloom. Plants may be cut back to basal foliage after flowering to improve appearance of the planting. Plants in cold winter climates often benefit from a loose winter mulch.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Penstemon is a genus of about 250 species of herbaceous perennials and sub-shrubs which are primarily native to the continental U.S., Canada, Mexico and Guatemala in a variety of habitats ranging from desert to plains to alpine slopes. A large number of hybrids have been developed over the years, but most are of unclear parentage.
Genus name comes from the Greek words penta meaning five and stemon meaning stamen in reference to each flower having five stamens (four are fertile and one is sterile).
Penstemons are sometimes commonly called beardtongues because the unusual sterile stamen contained in each flower has a tuft of small hairs.
‘Czar’ is an upright, clump-forming penstemon that typically grows 18-24" tall. It is noted for its tubular, trumpet-shaped, plum purple flowers with white interiors. Flowers bloom abundantly from late spring into summer (June-July) in upright terminal racemes atop erect, rigid stems clad with lance-shaped, rich green leaves. Foliage is semi-evergreen in warm winter climates. 'Czar' was introduced by Blooms of Bressingham from breeder Edward Wilson of Pensham, England.
Problems
Root rot can occur in wet, poorly-drained soils. Leaf spots, rusts, powdery mildew and Southern blight may also occur. Slugs and snails may chew on the foliage. Watch for spider mites. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Sunny areas of borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens and open woodland areas.