Snaps and more

Elisabeth — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:55:00 GMT

There is a plant family with a disgusting sounding name--Scrophulariaceae. "Scrofula" is a word derived from the Latin, used to describe a disease that causes swelling in the neck. "Scrofulous" can also mean "having a diseased appearance". Fortunately members of the Scrophulariaceae family, including snapdragons, flax, and penstemon, look anything but diseased. The name probably comes from the fact that the petals, especially those of snapdragons, tend to be fused into a swollen, pouch-like shape. The ends of the petals often form prominent 'lips".

The family contains many very useful garden plants. Annual snapdragons are stalwarts of the cottage garden that are available in a rainbow of colors (just about any color except true blue), can also stand tall in more formal settings. Penstemon, a North American native, is a perennial, and as tough as nails. It comes in shades of pink, white, blue, purple or red. Flax, another winsome annual, is more delicate than many of its relatives. I especially like the blue-purple variety, which combines nicely with yellow-flowered plants like Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'.

Most of the Scrophulariaceae family members prefer sunlight, but can make do with almost any kind of soil. Snapdragons self seed when they are happy and penstemons multiply. All are ridiculously easy to grow.

If you are looking for a good garden investment, these pretty plants with the awful family name will provide excellent returns.

In Praise of Penstemon

Elisabeth — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:21:00 GMT

Do you like snapdragons? If you do, and want to try a perennial with similar good looks, think about penstemon. This native American plant is part of the same Scrophulariaceae family as snapdragons, flax and verbascum. The family name is unpronounceable, but "penstemon" is easy and the common nickname--"beard tongue", is even easier.

Most commercially available species stand between twelve and thirty inches tall, with relatively narrow, medium green leaves that appear opposite each other on the stems. The flowers, which can be cream, pink, shades of red, blue-purple or purple, are tubular, flaring at the mouth.

Most penstemon are good for beginning gardeners, but Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' is one of the best to start with. Named "1996 Perennial Plant of the Year" by the Perennial Plant Association, 'Husker Red' features reddish-bronze foliage and white flowers that adorn the top third of the thirty to thirty-four inch stalks.

Penstemon is an unfussy plant that thrives in full sun, but can make do with a small amount of shade, especially in the deep south. Once established, most varieties thrive best in lean soil. The plants are drought tolerant as well, and various species will sometimes reseed if they are not deadheaded after flowering.

There are lots of penstemon cultivars and species on the market, so try a few. Plant in groups of three, five or seven and enjoy the summer show.

Growing Wise : penstemon

Snaps and more

In Praise of Penstemon