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Penstemons are better known by their common name ”Beardtongue” because the florets have furry landing strips that look like ”beards”!
Beardtongue is a large genus of North American and Eastern Asian flowering plants. A popular and attractive flowering herbaceous perennial, Penstemons displays spikes of tubular flowers in early to mid-summer!
This perennial produces an array of trumpet-shaped blooms that come in white, pink, red, blue, and purple, held on loose airy wands that bees and butterflies adore! These perennial flowers appear about the time spring bulbs start to fade.
Learn about the pretty Penstemon available at NatureHills.com!
Landscaping With Beardtongue
From the native forms in North America to the many cultivars and hybrids, Beardtongue can be found in the pampered garden bed to the harsh desert and alpine regions alike! These are hardy perennials that adapt to about any environment throughout USDA planting zones 3 to 8, with a few varieties hardy up to zone 10.
Held on loose, airy wands that bees and butterflies adore, these perennial flowers appear about the time spring bulbs start to fade. The shape and color are irresistible to hummingbirds and beneficial insects are going to frequent your yard!
Kids have fun watching fat bumblebees, just waking up for the year, trying to squeeze themselves into the blossoms!
Pretty in the middle to back of the garden bed, Beardtongue are must-have perennials for:
- Wildflowers and Prairie Restorations
- Rock Gardens
- Xeriscaping
- Sun Gardens
- Mixed Perennial Borders
- En Masse
- Cottage Gardens
- Pollinator Borders
- Cutting Gardens
- Fire-Wise Landscaping Plans
The tallest Penstemon grows 3 - 5 feet tall and looks great waving at the back and middle of the garden border. The smallest Penstemons are ideal pops of color at the front of the border, as edging, and even in container gardening culture!
Plant among related family members like Foxglove, Toadflax, and Snapdragons, you’ll see the family similarity. Likewise, Beardtongues spikes are right at home among similar plants like Lavender, Salvia, Delphinium, and Larskpurs.
Mix with the purple wands of Alliums, Liatris, and Veronica. Or contrast them with the spiky discs of Coneflower, Daisies, Yarrow, and Daylily!
Plant with prairie and ornamental grasses and wildflowers to create an informal look, or in evenly spaced rows that wind around your Roses or neatly sheared evergreens for a formal effect.
Caring For & Growing Penstemons
Penstemons thrive in hot, sunny conditions and require loose soil that drains very well. Provide at least 6 hours of full sun a day.
While not particular about soil type, Beardtongue needs good drainage. Moderate moisture during their first season in the ground, water new plants in the summer if rainfall is inadequate, but usually these perennials are on the low water-usage plants.
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Deadhead for return blooms
- Prune back in early spring
- Topdress with a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch
- Divide plants every 3-5 years
- Tough as nails, deer-resistant, and bothered by few pests or diseases
- Drought-tolerant plants
You can also choose not to deadhead, and instead leave some of the dead stalks in place so that they form seeds and reseed themselves. Which is great for wildflower and prairie garden settings.
Hardy herbaceous perennials, Beardtongue gives back more than it takes in terms of maintenance and time!
Pretty Penstemon At NatureHills.com!
Featuring all the hardy native resilience, incredible heat and cold tolerance, plus brilliant vertical blooms - the easy-to-grow Penstemon will be a must-have for your landscape beds and borders!
Find all the gorgeous varieties of Beardtongue at NatureHills.com and enjoy low-maintenance perennials that are sure to show off for you every year!
FAQS for Buying Penstemon Online
What makes Penstemon, or Beardtongue, a great perennial for pollinator gardens?
What makes Penstemon, or Beardtongue, a great perennial for pollinator gardens?
Penstemons produce vibrant spikes of tubular flowers that are magnets for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Their early-to-mid-summer bloom time perfectly bridges the gap after spring bulbs fade, making them essential for continuous pollinator support.
How do I care for Beardtongue plants to ensure healthy growth and blooms?
How do I care for Beardtongue plants to ensure healthy growth and blooms?
Beardtongue thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and minimal watering once established. For the best performance, deadhead spent blooms, prune in early spring, and apply a 3–4 inch mulch layer to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Where can I plant Penstemons in my landscape?
Where can I plant Penstemons in my landscape?
Where can I plant Penstemons in my landscape?
Are Penstemons good for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes?
Are Penstemons good for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes?
Yes, Penstemons are highly drought-tolerant once established, making them an excellent choice for xeric landscaping, rock gardens, and fire-wise landscape designs in USDA zones 3 through 10.
How often should I divide or maintain Penstemon plants?
How often should I divide or maintain Penstemon plants?
Divide Beardtongue clumps every 3–5 years in spring to promote vigor and manage spread. While they require little care, pruning and deadheading can help extend their bloom period and encourage a tidy growth habit.