Penstemon is a genus of flowering plants that are native to North and South America. These plants are renowned for their beautiful bell-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors, from pink to blue, purple, and red. If you’re looking to propagate your penstemon plant, then read on for some tips!
1. Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are one of the easiest ways to propagate penstemon plants. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the summer when the plant is actively growing.
To get started, take a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears and snip off a 4-6 inch section from the tip of a healthy stem. Make sure that there are no flowers or buds on the cutting as these can hinder growth.
Next, strip off all leaves except for two at the very top. Dip the bottom end into rooting hormone powder before planting it in well-draining soil mixed with perlite or sand.
Keep your new cutting moist but not waterlogged and place it in indirect light until roots have formed in about four weeks.
2. Division propagation
Another way to propagate Penstemons is through division propagation – this works particularly well if you have an established clump of plants that has become overcrowded.
To divide your penstemon plant, dig it up gently using a fork or spade – make sure you keep as much soil around its roots as possible so as not to damage them unnecessarily.
Once removed from its original location use clean secateurs or scissors hand-propagate out smaller sections leaving enough foliage attached so they can photosynthesise effectively – replant each division into potting mix containing peat moss/vermiculite (or similar ingredients) ensuring good drainage holes at base).
Water thoroughly after re-potting whilst keeping soil evenly moist while new root system develops over the coming weeks.
3. Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is another way to propagate penstemon plants that are well-suited for this method. The best time to sow seeds is in the spring or fall.
To get started, gather some seeds from your penstemon plant after it has finished flowering but before they have fallen off – this usually happens around late summer/early autumn (or when dry seed heads can be seen on the plant).
Sow your collected seeds into a potting mix containing peat moss, vermiculite or compost and water them immediately, allowing good drainage in base whilst ensuring soil surface remains moist throughout germination process which takes around 14 days at room temperature.
Penstemons grown from seed may take up to two years to mature so patience is required if you choose this method of propagation!
In summary, propogating Penstemons can be done through stem cuttings, division propagation and seeding techniques. Depending on how many new plants you are looking to create will influence which technique you should use as all three methods require different levels of effort and skill!
