Beardtongue

Uses:

  • Borders
  • Alpine and Rock Gardens
  • Xeriscaping

Features:

  • Pest Resistant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Sunlight:

  • Full Sun
  • 6+ Hours of Direct Sun

Growing Zones:

Beardtongue is a North American native plant with a long blooming season. The bright tubular flowers attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. These plants are tough and can handle hot, dry locations.

Items 1 to 18 of 18 total
  • Penstemon Midnight Masquerade Blooming in Landscape

    (3)

    Growing Zones: 3 to 8

    Proven Winners

    Midnight Masquerade Beardtongue

    $31.49 - $40.99
  • Pristine Pink Beardtongue Blooming
    Growing Zones: 5 to 8

    Pristine Pink Beardtongue

    $35.49
  • Cherry Sparks Penstemon Flowers Close Up

    (2)

    Growing Zones: 5 to 9

    Proven Winners

    Cherry Sparks Penstemon

    $29.99
  • White Foxglove Beardtongue Flowers Close Up

    (1)

    Growing Zones: 3 to 8

    Foxglove Beardtongue

    $36.49
  • Pristine Deep Rose Beardtongue Blooming

    (1)

    Growing Zones: 5 to 9

    Pristine Deep Rose Beardtongue

    $36.49
  • Pristine Blue Beardtongue Blooming

    (1)

    Growing Zones: 5 to 9

    Pristine Blue Beardtongue

    $36.49
  • Husker Red Beard Tongue Flower Close Up
    Growing Zones: 4 to 8

    American Beauties Native Plants

    Husker Red Beardtongue

    $39.49
  • Rock Candy Purple Beardtongue flowering
    Growing Zones: 5 to 8

    Proven Winners

    Rock Candy Purple Beardtongue

    $30.99 - $41.49
  • Pristine Lilac Purple Beardtongue Blooming
    Growing Zones: 5 to 9

    Pristine Lilac Purple Beardtongue

    $35.49
  • New For 2025
    Bejeweled™ Rose Rhinestones Bearded Penstemon
    Growing Zones: 4 to 8

    Proven Winners

    Bejeweled Rose Rhinestones Bearded Penstemon

    $29.99
  • Pristine Scarlet Purple Beardtongue Blooming
    Growing Zones: 5 to 9

    Pristine Scarlet Purple Beardtongue

    $35.49
  • Rock Candy Light Pink Beardtongue flowering
    Growing Zones: 5 to 8

    Proven Winners

    Rock Candy Light Pink Beardtongue

    $29.99 - $41.49
  • New For 2025
    Blackbeard Beardtongue Plants Blooming
    Growing Zones: 3 to 9

    Blackbeard Beardtongue

    $37.49 - $49.49
  • New For 2025
    Bejeweled™ Pink Pearls Bearded Penstemon
    Growing Zones: 4 to 8

    Proven Winners

    Bejeweled Pink Pearls Bearded Penstemon

    $29.99
  • Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue flowering
    Growing Zones: 5 to 8

    Proven Winners

    Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue

    $29.99 - $41.49
  • Dakota™ Burgundy Beardtongue Flowering in the Garden
    Sold Out
    Growing Zones: 3 to 8

    Dakota™ Burgundy Beardtongue

    $38.49
  • Row of Onyx and Pearls Beardtongue Plants in the Garden
    Sold Out

    (1)

    Growing Zones: 3 to 8

    Proven Selections

    Onyx and Pearls Beardtongue

    $28.49
  • Dark Towers Beardtongue Flowering
    Sold Out
    Growing Zones: 5 to 8

    Dark Towers Beardtongue

    $40.99
Items 1 to 18 of 18 total

About Beardtongue

Midnight Masquerade Beardtongue
Genus
Species
Family
Penstemon
Over 250 species (e.g., Penstemon digitalis, Penstemon barbatus)
Plantaginaceae

Common Names:

Penstemon


Native To:

North America

Plant Type:

Perennials

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:

3–9

Flower Color:

Pink, purple, red, blue, white, and occasionally yellow

Flower Bloom Time:

Late spring to early summer

Growth Habit:

Upright clumping habit; stems can be bushy or spiky

Attracts:

Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Tolerates:

Drought, poor soil, rocky or sandy conditions

Resists:

Deer, rabbits

How To Use Beardtongue In The Garden

Beardtongue (Penstemon spp.) is a resilient perennial native to North America, thriving in diverse climates from Alaska to Central America. Its tall flower spikes, reminiscent of foxglove and snapdragons, are particularly suited to hotter, drier environments. This plant is virtually free from pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens. Moreover, beardtongue is highly attractive to beneficial insects, and its long-lasting flowers are excellent for cut arrangements.

When grouped in sunny beds or borders, beardtongue adds color and attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies in late spring. Pair it with drought-tolerant perennials like yarrow or agastache for a cohesive and water-wise composition. Add a few ornamental grasses to create contrasting textures and gentle movement. In rock gardens or along walkways, beardtongue offers vertical interest and an extended show of pollinator activity.

Beardtongue Care

Beardtongue thrives in well-draining soil with moderate fertility and an acidic to neutral pH. Full to partial sun exposure promotes abundant blooming. During planting and the first growing season, ensure the plant receives approximately 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Beardtongue is not a heavy feeder; annual mulching with compost or shredded leaves in the fall suffices to enhance soil fertility over time.

Regular deadheading of Beardtongue encourages a prolonged blooming period and may prompt a second flush of flowers. After the initial bloom, shear the plant by one-third to foster a bushier shape and prevent flopping. In colder zones, cut back spent top growth in late fall and apply a thick mulch of shredded leaves or organic compost near the growth crown for winter protection. Beardtongue adapts well to container gardening, provided it receives regular watering and excellent drainage.

Learn More About Beardtongue

Cherry Sparks Penstemon Flowers Close Up

Beardtongue Companion Plants

They need full sun, lean and fast-draining soil, and only infrequent watering—the very conditions that keep beardtongue thriving. Lavender shares that xeric niche and its scented spikes mirror penstemon’s color range, while Russian sage threads silvery foliage and late blooms through the planting to prolong pollinator traffic. Evergreen rosemary adds upright winter structure without exhausting the soil, and creeping thyme slides between crowns as a drought-proof living mulch that deters weeds and locks in heat.

Beardtongue Flower Questions?