Photo: Hectonichus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Hartweg's beardtongue (Penstemon hartwegii): when and how to prune
Penstemon hartwegii
Hartweg's beardtongue (Penstemon hartwegii) is best pruned in April.
| Pruning months | April |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Hartweg's beardtongue (Penstemon hartwegii): when to prune it?
In April, when you see new shoots at the base. Not in autumn.
What else to prune in those months? April
Hartweg's beardtongue (Penstemon hartwegii): how to prune it?
- Cut the stems back to 10–15 cm above the ground, just above the new shoots.
- Remove dead and frost-damaged parts back to healthy wood.
- In summer, cut faded spikes back to the first side shoot.
- In autumn do not cut anything: the old stems protect the plant against frost.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Hartweg's beardtongue (Penstemon hartwegii) flowers in June–October, when it attracts bees.
- If you only cut back in April, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Caution: Do not prune in autumn: open stems let water run down to the crown, which kills the plant in frost.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Golden-beard penstemon (Penstemon barbatus)
- Pineleaf penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius)
- Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)
Plant profile: Hartweg's beardtongue (Penstemon hartwegii) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.