Penstemon 'Raven'
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Name | Penstemon 'Raven' |
| Common Name | Raven Beardtongue |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height | 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) |
| Spread | 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) |
| Foliage | Narrow, lance-shaped, dark green leaves |
| Flower Colour | Deep purple to dark burgundy |
| Bloom Time | Early summer to autumn |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Well-draining soil; prefers moderately fertile, sandy or loamy soil |
| Watering | Moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
| Maintenance | Low, may require deadheading to prolong blooming |
| Uses | Borders, rock gardens, containers, wildlife gardens |
| Notable Feature | Attracts pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, long blooming period |
Planting Aspects
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Site Selection: Plant in full sun to partial shade in a location with well-draining soil. Penstemon 'Raven' performs best in sunny positions but can tolerate some light shade.
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Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by adding organic matter to improve fertility and drainage if necessary. Penstemon 'Raven' prefers sandy or loamy soil.
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Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
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Spacing: Space plants about 1 to 2 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
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Watering: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Once established, Penstemon 'Raven' is relatively drought-tolerant.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the foliage in late autumn or early spring to encourage new growth.
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Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Penstemon 'Raven,' commonly known as Raven Beardtongue, is a striking herbaceous perennial known for its deep purple to dark burgundy flowers that bloom from early summer to autumn. With a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet, 'Raven' is ideal for borders, rock gardens, containers, and wildlife gardens. Its long blooming period and attractiveness to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds make it a valuable addition to any garden designed to support wildlife.