- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
Dark Towers Beardtongue is a beautiful flowering plant developed by Dale Lindgren at the University of Nebraska. The foliage is a deep purple that doesn't fade during summer waves. This plant is known for its tall spikes of pink flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer. Its slender flower spikes can grow up to 3 feet in height. The flowers are tubular and have five lobes, each containing a pair of small, pointed ears. The plant gets its common name from the long, hairy stamens that protrude from the flowers, resembling a beard.
Dark Towers has an upright, clump-forming growth habit and can reach heights of up to 4 feet. The dense purple foliage stays evergreen in winter. This plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners of all abilities. It is also drought tolerant, making it a good choice for areas with dry and hot conditions.
Dark Towers Beardtongue Care
Regarding care, the Dark Towers Beardtongue is relatively easy to grow. It prefers full sun, although it can tolerate partial sun. The Dark Towers Beardtongue prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 but can tolerate various soil types as long as they are well draining. During the establishment phase, water Dark Towers regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, it is drought tolerant and does not require frequent supplemental watering. Feed this perennial in early spring with a single application of a granular, slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning is generally unnecessary, as Dark Towers has a naturally attractive and tidy growth habit. However, if the plant becomes overgrown or leggy, it can be lightly trimmed in mid-summer to encourage a fuller, more compact shape. Remove any tattered foliage in early spring to encourage new growth.
You can propagate the plant by division, which involves dividing the root ball of an established plant and planting the divisions in separate pots or areas of the garden. Pentstemon has dense roots and may require some deep digging to extract them. The best time to divide Dark Towers is late summer or early fall.
Dark Towers Beardtongue Spacing
Space Dark Towers Beardtongue about 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and room for the plants to grow. This will help to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. You can also grow it in a container with a diameter of a least 16 inches.
Dark Towers Beardtongue Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Upright, clump |
Flower Color(s): Pink |
Flower Description: Lavender |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Purple, Red |
Foliage Description: Purple-Red |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought, Salt |
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Dark Towers Beardtongue |
Other Name(s): Dark Towers Beardtongue |
Scientific Name: Penstemon 'Dark Towers' |
- SKU:
- 1231008847-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.