Product Description
Penstemon 'Blackbeard' PP30052 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Beardtongue
Blackbeard was a famous English pirate known for his black facial hair. The name of this hardy perennial is a play on words from the common name for Penstemon, Beardtongue. The dark feature referenced on this plant is its incredible foliage. Dark purple flower stems hold its lilac purple flowers with their white flaring tubes high above the low mound of deep eggplant purple leaves. Attractive dark burgundy seed pods follow the flowering performance for extended seasonal interest. ‘Blackbeard’ stays strictly upright all season long with no lodging.
Like all of our Penstemons, this one takes the heat and humidity in stride but is also very cold hardy. It continues to provide terrific color in the landscape all season long.
Penstemons are very drought tolerant perennials that are easy to grow and are rarely bothered by insects or diseases. Plant them in full sun and watch as hummingbirds feast on their delicious nectar. Penstemons should be grown in full sun and very well-drained soil to avoid root rot. Soil fertility need only be average, but a light mulch in winter is recommended. Use Penstemons in the border, for naturalizing, and for cut flowers.
Penstemon 'Blackbeard', a captivating perennial, commands attention with its deep purple, almost black foliage, which provides a dramatic backdrop for its delicate light lavender to pink flowers. This striking contrast, reminiscent of the infamous pirate for which it is named, makes it a unique and captivating presence in any garden setting.
- Foliage: Deep purple-black leaves that retain their color throughout the growing season, adding a touch of mystery to the garden.
- Flowers: Light lavender to pink, tubular flowers with white throats that bloom in abundance, attracting a variety of pollinators.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer, providing a vibrant display when many other plants are just starting to bloom.
- Seed Pods: Following the floral display, attractive dark burgundy seed pods develop, adding late-season interest and providing food for birds.
- Height: Reaching a height of 28-34 inches, it adds vertical interest to the garden without being overpowering.
- Spread: With a spread of 18-24 inches, it forms a compact clump that fits well in borders and mixed plantings.
- Hardiness Zones: Thrives in zones 3-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Growth Rate: Moderate growth rate, allowing for predictable and manageable growth in the garden.
- Origin: A hybrid of Penstemon digitalis and Penstemon calycosus, bred for its unique foliage and compact habit.
- Parentage: A selection of Penstemon digitalis 'Pocahontas', inheriting its hardiness and upright growth.
- Other Notable Features:
- Attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Drought tolerant once established.
- Salt tolerant.
- Can be used as a cut flower.
- Tolerates clay soil.
Care Guide Penstemon 'Blackbeard' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but proper care ensures optimal growth and flowering.
- Planting The best time to plant Penstemon 'Blackbeard' is in March or May-November. Before planting container-grown plants, saturate the root ball by submerging it in a container of water until air bubbles stop appearing. Then, gently remove the plant from its container.
- Light Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day). It can tolerate light shade, but full sun brings out the best foliage color.
- Soil Well-drained soil is crucial. It thrives in fertile, slightly acidic soil and can even tolerate sandy or gravelly conditions. Avoid overly moist or poorly drained soils, as they can lead to root rot.
- Water Water well until the plant is established. Once established, it is drought tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry periods.
- Fertilizer Penstemon 'Blackbeard' does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of organic fertilizer in the fall can be beneficial.
- Support While generally sturdy, the flowering can be profuse and may require support in some cases. Consider using stakes or cages to prevent the flower spikes from bending or breaking.
- Spread Penstemon 'Blackbeard' can spread somewhat aggressively in a garden setting. Monitor its growth and divide the clumps as needed to prevent overcrowding.
- Pruning Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back plants in late autumn or early spring to promote vigorous growth.
- Mulching Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to regulate soil temperature and suppress weed growth. Use organic mulch like shredded bark or compost and avoid direct contact with the stems to prevent rot.
- Pests and Diseases Penstemon 'Blackbeard' is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, watch out for slugs, snails, and nematodes. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Uses in the Garden Penstemon 'Blackbeard' is a versatile plant with various uses in the garden:
- Borders: Its upright habit and striking foliage make it an excellent border plant, providing a strong vertical accent.
- Mass Plantings: Create a dramatic effect by planting 'Blackbeard' in masses, allowing its dark foliage and vibrant flowers to create a sea of color.
- Accent Plant: Use it as an accent plant to add a focal point to your garden, drawing the eye with its unique coloration.
- Containers: Its compact size makes it suitable for container gardening, adding a touch of elegance to patios and balconies.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attract a variety of pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to your garden with its nectar-rich flowers.
- Rain Gardens: Its tolerance for occasional inundation makes it a suitable choice for rain gardens, where it can add beauty and help manage water runoff.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting flowers make beautiful additions to cut flower arrangements, bringing the garden indoors.
Propagating Penstemon 'Blackbeard' Penstemon 'Blackbeard' can be propagated through various methods:
- Softwood Cuttings: Take cuttings from non-flowering shoots in early summer.
- Semi-hardwood Cuttings: Take cuttings in midsummer.
- Division: Divide established clumps in spring.
Penstemon 'Blackbeard' is a unique and captivating perennial that deserves a place in any garden. Its dark foliage, contrasting flowers, and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite among gardeners. Beardtongues are cold, hardy, and easy to grow, thriving best in sunny locations with well-drained soil. They are also ideal for naturalizing, blending seamlessly into the landscape. By following the care guide outlined above, you can ensure that your 'Blackbeard' thrives and adds beauty to your landscape for years to come.
Consider adding this dramatic perennial to your garden and enjoy its outstanding color, bold impact, and ability to support local wildlife. For more information on Penstemons, visit the American Penstemon Society website.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!