Penstemon cobaea aka Cobaea Beardtongue

Taxonomy

Penstemon cobaea, also known as cobaea beardtongue, prairie beardtongue, or foxglove penstemon, is a clump-forming perennial flowering plant in the plantain family. Native to the central United States, particularly the Great Plains from Nebraska to Texas, it can also be found in the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas. Although there are reported populations in the southwestern United States, Illinois, and Ohio, these are believed to be introductions. This Missouri native perennial typically grows to a height of 1-2.5 feet and can be found in prairies, limestone glades, and rocky bluffs. It features large green oval leaves and impressive erect spires of bell-shaped flowers ranging from pale to deep purple. Blooming from spring into early summer, the tubular flowers, approximately 2 inches long, adorn downy stems atop loose, terminal panicles.

Common names

Cobaea Beardtongue, Cobaea Penstemon

How to care for Cobaea Beardtongue

Difficulty

Cobaea Beardtongue presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Cobaea Beardtongue should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Cobaea Beardtongue loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Cobaea Beardtongue thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Cobaea Beardtongue.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Cobaea Beardtongue to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Cobaea Beardtongue has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia