Blackbeard beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis 'Blackbeard'
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2.5 to 3 feet tall
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Pink
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Blackbeard' beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis 'Blackbeard') is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its dark purple, almost black foliage sets off spikes of lilac-purple flowers with white interiors, and hummingbirds and bees visit the blooms. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Dark burgundy seed pods follow the flowers.
Pairs well with Butterfly milkweed, Prairie dropseed, PowWow White coneflower, and Nodding onion.