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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Penstemon (rupicola)

Lee Riley
Horticulturist
USDA FS - Dorena Genetic Resource Center
34963 Shoreview Road
Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424
541-915-7324
541-767-5709 (fax)
lee.riley@usda.gov
Family Scientific Name: Scrophulariales
Family Common Name: Figwort
Scientific Name: Penstemon rupicola
Common Name: Cliff Beardtongue
Species Code: PERU
Ecotype: Crater Lake National Park
General Distribution: Lower 48 states
Propagation Goal: Plants
Propagation Method: Seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 107 ml (7 in3) container
Time To Grow: 18 weeks
Target Specifications: Stock Type: Container seedling Root System: Firm plug in container.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seeds are placed in a solution of 250 mg/L GA3, soaked for 24 hours, rinsed, and soaked for an additional 4 hours in water. Seeds are sown directly into 107 ml (7 in3) cells (see growing medium below). Trays are sealed inside plastic bags and placed into cold stratification (1 to 3 °C) for 90 days. Trays are checked weekly and kept moist throughout the stratification period. If mold is evident, trays should be treated with 1% hydrogen peroxide.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 Greenhouse growing facility.
Cells are lightly covered with nursery grit. Growing medium in the containers consists of 40:20:20:20 peat:composted fir bark:perlite:pumice with Nutricote controlled release fertilizer (18N:6P2O5:8K2O with minors; 180-d release rate at 21C) at the rate of 0.5 gram Nutricote per 107 ml container.
Establishment Phase: Germination is uneven, but is usually complete in 3 to 4 weeks. Following germination, plants are fertilized with soluble 12-2-14-6Ca-3Mg at 75 to 100 ppm for 2 weeks.
Length of Establishment Phase: 3 weeks
Active Growth Phase: Penstemon rupicola is very slow growing. During the growing season, fertilization depends on weather and physiological needs. Soluble 20-9-20 NPK, 20-18-18 NPK, or 17-5-24 NPK at 100 to 150 ppm is applied weekly throughout the growing season.
Length of Active Growth Phase: 15 weeks
Hardening Phase: No dry-down is done to induce dormancy. Seedlings are moved to an outdoor growing area in mid-September.
Length of Hardening Phase: 3 to 4 weeks depending on chilling hours
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Harvest Date: Mid to late October
Storage Conditions: Seedlings are usually outplanted in fall. No storage except in outdoor growing area. Plants are well irrigated prior to shipping if shipped in containers.
Other Comments: Perennial forb/herb.
Found in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Prefers dry, rocky soils and full sun.
Recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting large numbers of native bees.
Easily propagated by stem cuttings or seed.
Grows on cliffs, ledges, and rocky slopes, usually at higher elevations (1300-2300m).
Grows on both sides of the Cascade Mountains, as well as throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
References: Beardtongues and Penstemons of the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington. Cliff Beardtongue, Cliff Penstemon, Rock Penstemon. Penstemon rupicola. URL: http://science.halleyhosting.com/nature/gorge/5petal/figwort/penst/rockp.htm (Accessed 28 February 2024).
Dorena Genetic Resource Center Propagation Records, unpublished.

The Jepson Herbarium. University of California, Berkley. Penstemon rupicola (Piper) Howell. URL: https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=37078 (Accessed 28 February 2024).
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Penstemon rupicola (Piper) Howell. URL: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PERU (Accessed 28 February 2024).
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Penstemon rupicola (Piper) Howell. cliff beardtongue. URL: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PERU (Accessed 28 February 2024).

Citation:

Riley, Lee E.; Klein, Kassandra. 2024. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Penstemon rupicola Plants 107 ml (7 in3) container; USDA FS - Dorena Genetic Resource Center Cottage Grove, Oregon. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/02/25). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.