I have Prarie Dusk Penstemon in my yard, am I to cut down the flowers when they are done blooming?
Answers:
I have been a Master Gardener for the univ of Calif for over 15 years & i enjoy growing penstemon in my garden. there are some 250 species of penstemon. only a few are widely available. P. ambiguus (prarie) is a native to southwestern u.s. if given too-rich soil and too much water it may die quickly. if cared for correctly you should have blooms from early summer to early fall. yes, remove the dead clusters if you want the blooms to continue. don't over water! it is a short lived plant, 2 or 3 years max. hummingbirds love it.
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