Gulf Penstemon
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Penstemon tenuis, also known as Brazos Penstemon, Brazos Beardtongue, Sharpsepal Beardtongue, Gulf Penstemon, and Gulf Beardtongue, is a plant species native to southeastern and East Texas. It has tapering leaves, usually 3-6 inches long and medium green in color. In North Texas, it is generally evergreen, with foliage that can be up to 12 inches wide and 12 inches tall. When it produces flower spikes in the spring, its height can reach up to 30 inches.
The plant produces large numbers of light purple flowers in mid- to late spring on multiple flower spikes, giving the appearance of a cloud of blooms that last for several weeks. Sometimes, it produces flowers again in the fall, but the blooms are more limited. After flowering, the plant has attractive, rugged 0.5-inch seed capsules containing many tiny seeds that stay on the plant through the winter unless cut off.
Gulf Coast Penstemon is mainly grown for its showy, lavender-purple flowers. During blooming, it serves as a nectar source for bees, insects, and butterflies and attracts hummingbirds. The plant's flowers are relatively long-lasting in bouquets, making it suitable for a cutting garden. It self-seeds prolifically, and plants can form a thick mat that can serve as ground cover over time. To avoid prolific seeding, cut the flower stalks after blooming. This practice may also promote a further round of blooming.
Height: 1’-2'
Spread: 1.5’-2'
Bloom: March-June
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade, Dappled Shade
Water: Medium
Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Origin: Texas
Winter Shipping: We will continue to ship throughout winter. If you prefer, we are happy to hold your order until spring; please include that request in your shipping notes.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
