It is true that penstemon plants are often known for their beautiful blooms that appear once a year. However, with a little bit of care and attention, you can actually encourage penstemons to bloom more than once in a season.
Penstemons, also known as beardtongues, are a diverse group of flowering perennials that come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are native to North America and are well-loved for their tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Typically, penstemons produce their main flush of flowers in late spring or early summer, depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. These initial blooms can be quite spectacular and can last for several weeks, adding a burst of color to the garden.
After the initial flowering period, the spent flowers will start to fade and form seed pods. This is the perfect time to prune the penstemon plants to encourage a second round of blooms. By cutting off the fading flowers just above the next set of healthy leaves or buds, you can stimulate the plant to put its energy into producing new flower stems.
Pruning penstemons not only removes the old flowers, but it also helps to promote better air circulation and overall plant health. It prevents the plant from using up its energy on producing seeds, redirecting it towards new growth and more flowers.
In addition to deadheading, it is also important to provide proper care for your penstemon plants to ensure they have the best chance of reblooming. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
1. Sunlight: Penstemons thrive in full sun to partial shade. Make sure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and blooming.
2. Watering: While penstemons are generally drought-tolerant once established, they still require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, to promote healthy growth and flowering.
3. Fertilization: Penstemons are not heavy feeders, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote strong growth and more blooms. Follow the package instructions for the appropriate dosage.
4. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. This can contribute to healthier plants and potentially more blooms.
5. Pruning: In addition to deadheading, you can also trim back the penstemon plants in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flower stems. Cut back the old stems to about 6 inches above the ground, taking care not to remove any new growth.
6. Winter protection: Some penstemon varieties are more cold-hardy than others. If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider mulching around the base of the plants and providing some form of winter protection, such as covering them with a layer of straw or burlap, to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
It’s worth noting that not all penstemon varieties are known for reblooming, and some may have a natural tendency to produce more flowers throughout the season than others. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to choose cultivars that are specifically labeled as reblooming or long-blooming if you want to maximize your chances of enjoying multiple rounds of flowers.
While penstemons are typically considered as plants that bloom once a year, with proper care and pruning techniques, you can encourage these lovely perennials to produce more than one flush of colorful blooms in a season. By deadheading, providing adequate sunlight and water, fertilizing, mulching, and pruning, you can increase the chances of enjoying multiple rounds of flowers from your penstemon plants.
