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Penstemon Cherry Sparks

Scientific Name : Penstemon hybrida

Common Name : Beard Tongue

Hardiness Zone : 5a - 9b

Hardiness Degree : -20°F (-29°C)

Blooming Season : Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Late Summer

Plant Habit : Upright

Characteristics : Attracts Hummingbirds, Heat Tolerant

Water : Light

Fertilizer : Once a month

Spacing : 16 - 18" (41 - 46cm)

Height : 18 - 20" (46 - 51cm)

Width : 14 - 16" (36 - 41cm)

Exposure : Sun

General Information : Penstemon perform best in sunny locations with well-drained soils.
Fertilize once per month for best results.
Removing spent flower stems will encourage repeat blooming.

Idea & Tips : Penstemon perform best in sunny locations with well-drained soils.
Fertilize once per month for best results.
Removing spent flower stems will encourage repeat blooming.

Grower Information : Double the flowering time for longer shipping and selling window, plus more color in the garden.

Bigger blooms with bright, cherry-red color.
More heat tolerant and Winter hardy than other varieties.
Sterile, long-flowering variety, without the unsightly seed heads.

'Cherry Sparks'

Protection Information : PP28,869

(Flowering Only License)

Breeder : Darwin Perennials

Propagation Guide
- Media EC/pH:
  
  EC 0.75-0.80 mmhos/pH 5.8-6.2
  
  Soil Temperature:
  
  70-72°F (21-22°C)
  
  Rooting Hormone:
  
  500 ppm IBA
  
  Mist:
  
  Moderate to high for first 24 hours, then reduce to low.
  
  Fertilization:
  
  50-75 ppm N
  
  Pinching:
  
  Recommended.
  
  Transplanting:
  
  35-42 days after sticking
  
  Comments:
  
  Use low mist settings; do not oversaturate rooting media. Root zone temperatures of 70°F (21°C).
Finishing Guide
- Media pH:
  
  5.8-6.2
  
  Temperature:
  
  Nights: 55 to 70°F (13 to 21°C) Days: 60 to 80°F (15 to 27°C)
  
  Light Level (fc):
  
  3,000 to 5,000
  
  Vernalization:
  
  No
  
  Daylength:
  
  Long day facultative
  
  Watering:
  
  Allow media to dry moderately between watering.
  
  Fertilization:
  
  Use a balanced fertilizer at a rate of 125 to 150 ppm.
  
  Pinch After Transplant:
  
  Yes
  
  Plant Growth Regulators:
  
  PGRs generally not needed
  
  Pests and Fungal Diseases:
  
  White fly, spider mites
Crop Scheduling
- 1–qt. (10–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot:
  
  Not recommended
  
  1–gal. (15–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot:
  
  Rooted: 10-12 wks
  
  2 to 3–gal. (25 to 30–cm) pot, 3 plants per pot:
  
  Rooted: 12-14 wks
  
  Bloom Months:
  
  May to August

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