Smooth Penstemon FLOWERS SEED (Penstemon digitalis) PERENNNNIAL WILDFLOWER

Foxglove beardtongue

Native Bees, Pollinator, U.S. Native, Wildlife ,Mass in sunny borders, wild gardens, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Seeds/Ounce130,000

Smooth Penstemon is native to the eastern and Midwestern U.S. and is typically found in open woods, meadows and prairies. The abundant, white flowers occur in early summer. Can be planted in full sun or light shade. Recommended as an early bloomer for pollinator mixtues ,

Penstemon digitalis is one of the few penstemons that thrives in clay. The white flowers bloom for a month or longer, and look great with the blue flowers of Ohio Spiderwort and Blue Eyed Grass. Only three feet high, this clump-forming perennial does well in full sun to light shade, and tolerates seasonally damp conditions. The tubular flowers attract long-tongued bees such as bumblebees and mason bees, as well as hummingbirds. Other common names include Foxglove Beardtongue and Mississippi Beardtongue.

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.

Growing: Water seedlings until they become established; mature plants also appreciate occasional watering. After blooming cut the plant back to several inches above the soil, unless seed is wanted. Do not overwater, since this plant is particularly susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too moist. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather the seeds as soon as the pods have begun to open; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.