bearded penstemon
Penstemon barbatus
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Rose red
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Bearded penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Scarlet, two-lipped flowers hang in long, open clusters above sparsely leaved stems. Hummingbirds visit the blooms, and the plant is drought tolerant.
Pairs well with Standing Ovation little bluestem, Smooth hydrangea, and Spider flower.
Native range
Mexico and southern United States.