Slender Beardtongue Plant Care
Penstemon gracilentus A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Penstemon gracilentus is a species of penstemon known by the common name slender penstemon. It is native to the mountains and sagebrush plateau of northeastern California, western Nevada, and eastern Oregon, where it grows in forest, woodland, and scrub habitat.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Slender Beardtongue?
Water Slender Beardtongue every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Slender Beardtongue Native To?
What Is the Slender Beardtongue?
Slender Beardtongue (Penstemon gracilentus) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Penstemon genus. Slender Beardtongue is native to the mountains and sagebrush plateau of northeastern California, western Nevada, and eastern Oregon.
Slender Beardtongue displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Slender Beardtongue produces tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, or blue.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Slender Beardtongue?
Penstemon gracilentus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Slender Beardtongue Need?
Slender Beardtongue thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Slender Beardtongue Prefer?
Penstemon gracilentus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Slender Beardtongue prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slender Beardtongue?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Slender Beardtongue to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Slender Beardtongue?
Feed Slender Beardtongue every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Slender Beardtongue?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Slender Beardtongue?
Slender Beardtongue can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to foxglove beardtongue plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Slender Beardtongue Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slender Beardtongue, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Slender Beardtongue?
Slender Beardtongue is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Slender Beardtongue Need?
Slender Beardtongue grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Slender Beardtongue is native to the mountains and sagebrush plateau of northeastern California, western Nevada, and eastern Oregon. In cooler regions, grow Slender Beardtongue as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Slender Beardtongue is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Penstemon genus — compare its care with other Penstemon species on PlantoScan.
Penstemon is part of the Plantaginaceae plant family — browse all Plantaginaceae genera and species.
Slender Beardtongue thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Penstemon Species
Other Penstemon species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Penstemon gracilentus A.Gray, family Plantaginaceae (first published in Pacif. Railr. Rep. Williamson & Abbot, Bot. 6(3; 2): 82 (1858)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slender Beardtongue, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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