Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

5 to 8

The Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue, or Penstemon barbatus, is a hardy plant that boasts lovely flowers during the spring and summer. The tubular, bell-shaped blooms grow along short flower spikes. Ruby red petals have white accents near the center, giving the blooms added depth. The flowers are offset by dark green, lance-shaped foliage. 

This perennial is a compact variety, making it a good pick for the front or middle of a mixed bed, along a border, or as a filler in a container. Create an impressive mass planting, and remember to trim some flower spikes to display in a vase. The Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue is both heat and drought tolerant, so this plant can handle intense summer weather or forgetful gardeners and still look amazing. The flowers support pollinators. Grow this Beardtongue in zones 5 through 8.

Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue Care

Plant the Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue in full sun and in sandy, well-drained soil. Give the plant one inch of water per week, especially when grown in a container. Beardtongue plants can handle dry conditions once established, but water during an extended dry spell to support continuous flower production. Beardtongue plants are not heavy feeders, and fertilizing is optional. Use a balanced, slow-release plant food in the spring to encourage abundant blooms.

Trim spent flowers to encourage more blooms. The Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue is an herbaceous perennial, so all growth will die back after the first frost and can be removed.

Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue Spacing

The Rock Candy Ruby Beardtongue grows 12 inches tall and wide. Space plants 12 inches apart or feature three plants in a 12-inch wide container.