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Gulf Penstemon
Gulf Penstemon
Gulf Penstemon
Gulf Penstemon
Gulf Penstemon
Gulf Penstemon

Gulf Penstemon

Penstemon tenuis 👍
$6.50

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

Penstemon tenuis, also known as Brazos Penstemon, Brazos Beardtongue, Sharpsepal Beardtongue, Gulf Penstemon, and Gulf Beardtongue, is a plant species that is 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, and its foliage can be up to 12 inches wide and 12 inches tall. However, when it produces flower spikes in the spring, its height can go up to 30 inches.

The plant produces light purple flowers in mid to late spring. Although the flowers are small, they are made in large numbers, usually 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. It is a nectar source for bees, insects, and butterflies during blooming 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 after several years, plants can form a thick mat that can serve as ground cover. To avoid having Gulf Coast Penstemon seed out prolifically, cut the flower stalks after blooming. Cutting may also promote a further round of blooming.

Note : Preparation of materials for careful packaging of plants before shipping typically takes between 3-5 business days, in addition to the standard shipping times.

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