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Penstemon Cherry Sparks

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Scientific Name: Penstemon hybrida
CommonName: Beard Tongue
Hardiness Zone: 5a - 9b
Hardiness Degree: -20°F (-20°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

PROPAGATION

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

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
Plant Protection
'Cherry Sparks'
Protection Information : PP28,869
(Flowering Only License)
Breeder: Darwin Perennials
Penstemon Cherry Sparks
Photo:  Bloom Photo:  Container