Beardtongue
One of the showiest native penstemons, Beardtongue can reach heights of three feet with stunning lavender-pink flowers. While the bloom time is relatively short, 2 - 3 weeks in May or June, the plant offers beautiful vertical structure and silvery blue-green …
| Soil Type | Gravel, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Dry |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Height | 2' - 4' |
| Bloom Color | Lavender |
| Bloom Time | May, June |
| Spacing | 1' |
| Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Root Type | Fibrous |
| Benefits | Butterflies, Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Host Plant, Deer Resistant |
| Seeds per Oz | 11000 |
| Propagation Treatment | Moist Stratification |
| Days to Moist Stratify | 60 days |
| Direct Sowing Time | Fall |
One of the showiest native penstemons, Beardtongue can reach heights of three feet with stunning lavender-pink flowers. While the bloom time is relatively short, 2-3 weeks in May or June, the plant offers beautiful vertical structure and silvery blue-green succulent foliage, making it a versatile player in the garden or naturalized setting. The large tubular flowers, up to two inches in length, are popular with hummingbirds and bees. Long-tongued pollinators visit the unique flowers for nectar including mason bees and bumble bees, as well as pollen seeking halictid bees. As a host plant, Beardtongue is associated with the Arachne Checkerspot (Poladryas arachne), and thhe Chalcedon Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona).
Endangered in some states, Penstemon grandiflorus is more common in the dry sand and gravel soils of the northern Great Plains and appears less frequently further south. Not often seen in the wild, it prefers full sun and requires excellent drainage - it will not grow well in clay.
