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PENSTEMON
War Axe
COMMON NAMES
Beard Tongue
Penstémon
GROUP/SPECIES
grandiflora
TYPE
HARDY PERENNIAL
ROLES
SPIKE
SUITABLE FOR CUTTING
YES
TO MATURITY
2 YEARS
BORDER POSITION
MIDDLE
SCENT
NO
MOISTURE
Moist but well-drained
HEIGHT
75
SPACE
30
SPREAD
50
SOIL TYPE
CHALK LOAM SAND
SOIL ACIDITY
ALKALINE NEUTRAL ACID
SUNLIGHT
FULL SUN
SOW IN
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SOW OUT
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FEB
MAR
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Sow in a cold frame or directly in early winter. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained, seed compost. Cover lightly with vermiculite. Place in a cold frame. Ensure soil surface is moist. 8 weeks at 4°C is needed. Natural winter cold provides ideal conditions for germination. Germination: slow and erratic and may require another winter cold period to occur. Seed must be kept moist
PLANT IN
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APR
MAY
JUN
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SEP
OCT
NOV
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PLANT OUT
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APR
MAY
JUN
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SEP
OCT
NOV
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Plant out when large enough to handle
WATER
Water every two days until established then once a week
FEED
NO
CARE
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PRUNE
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Cut back to the ground after flowering or seed collection
HARVEST
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APR
MAY
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CUT
Cut in the early morning or late evening
CONDITION
Place in cool water in a cool, dark place over night
VASE LIFE DAYS
7
CULINARY USES
NO
PROPAGATE
SEED
CUTTINGS
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DIVISION
Divide established clumps in spring
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