hairy beardtongue
Penstemon hirsutus
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Pink , purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and low maintenance plantings. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. Woolly stems set it apart from other beardtongues. Hummingbirds visit the lavender to violet, trumpet-shaped flowers with whitish lips. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with Yarrow, Magnus coneflower, and Rosemary.
Native range
AL, CT, DC, DE, and 19 more places. See all 23
AL, CT, DC, DE, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV; ON, and QC.