beardtongue
Penstemon canescens
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pale to dark violet
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Beardtongue (Penstemon canescens) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. Its snapdragon-like flowers open in pale lavender to purple and sit in pairs along the upper stem. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the blooms. Deer tend to browse other plants first.
Pairs well with Creeping phlox, Sundrops, and Big bluestem.
Native range
Eastern United States.