Penstemon digitalis aka Foxglove Beardtongue

Taxonomy

Penstemon digitalis, also known as foxglove beard-tongue, foxglove beardtongue, talus slope penstemon, and white beardtongue, is a clump-forming, Missouri-native perennial that typically grows 3-5' tall. It is found in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods, and along railroad tracks throughout the eastern and southeastern United States, as well as eastern Canada. The plant features white, two-lipped, tubular flowers that bloom in the summer and are borne in panicles atop erect, rigid stems. It is the most widespread species of Penstemon east of the Mississippi River. Foxglove Beardtongue belongs to the Penstemon genus and is native to the central and eastern United States. It is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot away from a window. The plant prefers well-draining soil and doesn't require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Foxglove Beardtongue, Talus Slope Penstemon, Digitalis Penstemon

How to care for Foxglove Beardtongue

Difficulty

Caring for Foxglove Beardtongue is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

Foxglove 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

Foxglove Beardtongue requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Talus Slope Penstemon is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Foxglove Beardtongue to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Foxglove Beardtongue should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia