The tube-like flowers of wild Foxglove attract hummingbirds, moths, butterflies, and other insects. Eventually, the wild Foxglove’s flowers transform into blackened seed pods. They will grow in gardens, but new plants take several years to bloom.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Penstemon cobaea is a flowering plant in the plantain family, commonly known as cobaea beardtongue, prairie beardtongue or foxglove penstemon. The plant is native to the central United States, primarily the Great Plains from Nebraska to Texas, with additional populations in the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas. There are also populations reported in the southwestern United States as well as in Illinois and Ohio, but these appear to be introductions.
Penstemon cobaea grows on hillsides, gravel, rocky outcrops, and gypsum soils, and eroded pastures.
Penstemon cobaea is usually about 30 cm (1 foot) tall, but occasionally reaches as much as 1.23 m (4 ft). The flowers are 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) long and have five lobes, with two large lobes on top and three small lobes on the bottom. The flowers have a structure reminiscent of a ribcage inside, and can be coloured white to dark pink with magenta lines. The leaves of the plant are broad, at about 3.8–15 cm (1+1⁄2–5+7⁄8 in) long and 0.6–5 cm (1⁄4–2 in) wide.
The flowers of Penstemon cobaea will eventually become brown and black capsules, which contain the seeds. After planting, the seeds will take about two years to flower. It is good to leave 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) between plants when gardening, and lime is often needed in the soil.
II. How to Grow and Care
Wild Foxglove is a robust perennial suited for beginner gardeners. It thrives in well-draining soil with full to partial sunlight, requiring minimal maintenance. Special care points include occasional deep watering to mimic natural habitat conditions and avoiding over-saturation to prevent root rot. Deadheading spent flowers promotes further blooming and maintains a neat appearance.
Sunlight and Soil
Prairie beardtongue performs best in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It is drought tolerant once established.
Watering
Thriving in its native habitat’s variable moisture conditions, Prairie beardtongue has adapted to be moderately drought-tolerant. It prefers a balance of hydration without being waterlogged, indicative of its origins which may range from semi-arid regions to areas with occasional downpours. Watering every week is sufficient to meet Prairie beardtongue’s needs, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated. As an outdoor plant often found in temperate zones, Prairie beardtongue benefits from natural rainfall patterns and the cooler temperatures that reduce evaporation rates, thus optimizing its watering cycle.
Fertilizing
Fertilize Prairie beardtongue with balanced nutrition or high phosphorus fertilizers to promote robust growth and vibrant blooms. Apply a diluted solution in the growing season every 4-6 weeks. Use sparingly, as over-fertilization can harm Prairie beardtongue. Adjust for plant age and seasonal changes, decreasing frequency in winter. For safety, follow package instructions, and apply to moist soil to prevent root burn. Proper fertilization ensures wild Foxglove flourishes, enhancing garden aesthetics.
Pruning
Cut back the stems after flowering, or wait for the seeds to ripen.
Propagation
Prairie beardtongue is well-suited for propagation through sowing. Gardeners should start with fresh seeds, gently pressing them onto the surface of a well-draining soil mix as Prairie beardtongue requires good contact with the soil to germinate effectively. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to foster healthy root development.
To enhance germination, a period of stratification might be beneficial; this mimics natural winter conditions. Once seedlings emerge and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots before being moved to their final location in the garden.
Transplanting
The optimal window for relocating Prairie beardtongue is during the warmth of late spring to the cusp of summer, ensuring it thrives in its new setting. Position wild Foxglove in a sun-kissed spot with well-drained soil to promote robust growth. A friendly nudge: add a touch of compost to the transplant area to cheer on wild Foxglove’s successful resettlement.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Prairie beardtongue provides a charming impact in beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens. Plant in bold groupings.
- Wildlife uses
Many pollinating insects frequent this abundant plant, including butterflies, moths, and many types of native bees. Bumblebees are particularly fond of Showy Beardtongue; they muscle their way into the trumpeting blossoms, bumping stigmas and spreading pollen as they visit neighboring plants, which cross-pollinates the population. Hummingbirds also visit this species as a nectar source.
