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Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon (Penstemon)
Penstemon attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The shape of the flower is perfect for long-beaked birds. Their tolerance of drought also makes them good options in areas where irrigation is not frequent. The largest collection of penstemon can be seen at the Arboretum at Flagstaff, Arizona, and they grow well in the southwestern climate.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
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Key Facts About Penstemon

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Attributes of Penstemon

Planting Time
Spring
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
60 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
5 - 35 ℃

Scientific Classification of Penstemon

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Distribution of Penstemon

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Distribution Map of Penstemon

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Cultivated
Invasive
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No species reported
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care detail

How to Grow and Care for Penstemon

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how to grow and care
The penstemon genus is lauded for its colorful, tubular flowers and overall durability. Basic care needs include full to partial sunlight, moderate watering, average room temperatures, and well-drained soils for optimal growth. Common challenges are pests such as aphids and slugs, along with occasional issues of powdery mildew and root rot. Seasonal considerations encompass winter mulching in colder areas and pruning in early spring for cleaner growth. Understanding the ecological nitty-gritty of penstemons is key in cultivating them effectively.
More Info About Caring for Penstemon
species

Exploring the Penstemon Plants

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8 most common species:
Penstemon digitalis
Foxglove beardtongue
Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is an herbaceous plant related to plantains. Penstemon digitalis means "finger-like" due to the plant's flowers resemblance to the fingers of a gloved hand. Foxglove beardtongue is easily grown and often cultivated on roadsides for landscaping purposes.
Penstemon barbatus
Beardlip penstemon
Beardlip penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is a perennial flowering species that grows best in full sunlight. Beardlip penstemon attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The common name references yellow hairs on the lower lip of the flower. Gardeners should avoid fertilizing this plant excessively.
Penstemon campanulatus
Bellflower beardtongue
Bellflower beardtongue (Penstemon campanulatus), originally from Mexico, has been cultivated as an easy-to-grow, long-flowering, drought-tolerant plant for garden borders and rockeries. It is hardy enough to cope with desert or alpine conditions. The flowers attract a wide range of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Penstemon strictus
Rocky mountain penstemon
Rocky mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is a perennial that grows from 61 to 76 cm tall. It is an evergreen that is easy to grow. It produces spikes of bright blue flowers in spring. The long-lasting blooms attract hummingbirds and bees. It is rabbit resistant, and good for areas needing erosion control. Rocky mountain penstemon requires full sun and multiplies under good growing conditions.
Penstemon canescens
Eastern gray beardtongue
Eastern gray beardtongue (Penstemon canescens) is indigenous to the Appalachian mountains in the eastern United States. It is easy to grow and drought-tolerant. This species prefers well-drained soil and full or partial sun. It attracts pollinators.
Penstemon laevigatus
Eastern smooth beardtongue
Eastern smooth beardtongue (Penstemon laevigatus) is a flowering plant related to the banana plant native to the eastern United States. It grows naturally in the states of Maine, Georgia, and Mississippi. Eastern smooth beardtongue can grow in both the sun and shade.
Penstemon roseus
Pride of the mountain
Pride of the mountain is a species of evergreen shrub with grey-green foliage that is native to North America. It has simple, broad leaves, and produces long tubular red flowers that are highly attractive to several hummingbird species.
Penstemon serrulatus
Serrulate penstemon
Other names for serrulate penstemon (Penstemon serrulatus) include coast penstemon and cascade beardtongue. It’s a species that’s indigenous to the western part of the United States. When it’s warm and humid out, the leaves of this plant release a putrid smell.

All Species of Penstemon

Foxglove beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Foxglove beardtongue
Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is an herbaceous plant related to plantains. Penstemon digitalis means "finger-like" due to the plant's flowers resemblance to the fingers of a gloved hand. Foxglove beardtongue is easily grown and often cultivated on roadsides for landscaping purposes.
Beardlip penstemon
Penstemon barbatus
Beardlip penstemon
Beardlip penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is a perennial flowering species that grows best in full sunlight. Beardlip penstemon attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The common name references yellow hairs on the lower lip of the flower. Gardeners should avoid fertilizing this plant excessively.
Bellflower beardtongue
Penstemon campanulatus
Bellflower beardtongue
Bellflower beardtongue (Penstemon campanulatus), originally from Mexico, has been cultivated as an easy-to-grow, long-flowering, drought-tolerant plant for garden borders and rockeries. It is hardy enough to cope with desert or alpine conditions. The flowers attract a wide range of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Rocky mountain penstemon
Penstemon strictus
Rocky mountain penstemon
Rocky mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is a perennial that grows from 61 to 76 cm tall. It is an evergreen that is easy to grow. It produces spikes of bright blue flowers in spring. The long-lasting blooms attract hummingbirds and bees. It is rabbit resistant, and good for areas needing erosion control. Rocky mountain penstemon requires full sun and multiplies under good growing conditions.
Eastern gray beardtongue
Penstemon canescens
Eastern gray beardtongue
Eastern gray beardtongue (Penstemon canescens) is indigenous to the Appalachian mountains in the eastern United States. It is easy to grow and drought-tolerant. This species prefers well-drained soil and full or partial sun. It attracts pollinators.
Eastern smooth beardtongue
Penstemon laevigatus
Eastern smooth beardtongue
Eastern smooth beardtongue (Penstemon laevigatus) is a flowering plant related to the banana plant native to the eastern United States. It grows naturally in the states of Maine, Georgia, and Mississippi. Eastern smooth beardtongue can grow in both the sun and shade.
Pride of the mountain
Penstemon roseus
Pride of the mountain
Pride of the mountain is a species of evergreen shrub with grey-green foliage that is native to North America. It has simple, broad leaves, and produces long tubular red flowers that are highly attractive to several hummingbird species.
Serrulate penstemon
Penstemon serrulatus
Serrulate penstemon
Other names for serrulate penstemon (Penstemon serrulatus) include coast penstemon and cascade beardtongue. It’s a species that’s indigenous to the western part of the United States. When it’s warm and humid out, the leaves of this plant release a putrid smell.
Bunchleaf Penstemon
Penstemon heterophyllus
Bunchleaf Penstemon
Bunchleaf Penstemon is often cultivated by nurseries for ornamental use in flowerbeds and borders. Its bright blue tubular flowers look beautiful in large plantings. It is drought-tolerant and provides nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Wasatch Penstemon
Penstemon cyananthus
Wasatch Penstemon
Penstemon cyananthus, or wasatch Penstemon, is noticed for its spikes of intensely blue tubular flowers. The spikes of this plant can grow up to 91 cm tall. It can be grown from seed, but seeds need to be sown in the fall for spring growth or cold stratified before planting.
Hairy Beardtongue
Penstemon hirsutus
Hairy Beardtongue
Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is a perennial named for the tiny hairs that grow along its stem. It blooms from spring to summer with trumpet-shaped lilac-purple flowers that grow along a flower stem attracting butterflies bees and hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and makes a great addition to a rock garden or nature garden.
Firecracker penstemon
Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker penstemon
Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is a deciduous perennial shrub that blooms orange-red, tubular flowers from early spring to early summer. Flowers are showy, rising 61 to 91 cm above the foliage and make a beautiful addition to a cut flower arrangement. Attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Grows in full sun or partial shade. Perfect for any garden.
Palmer's penstemon
Penstemon palmeri
Palmer's penstemon
The palmer's penstemon is well regarded for its rounded flowers and the fact that it's one of the very few scented penstemons. It's native to desert mountains in the United States. This perennial plant grows erect up to 2 m high. A willing reseeder, it is used for colonizing harsh sites.
Parry's penstemon
Penstemon parryi
Parry's penstemon
Parry's penstemon is a wildflower native to the deserts of the western United States. This perennial generally blooms in its second year in its native habitat but can bloom in its first year if cultivated. Parry's penstemon tolerates low amounts of water but not complete drought.
Showy Penstemon
Penstemon spectabilis
Showy Penstemon
Showy Penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis) is the most breathtaking of all the penstemons. It’s native to southern California and is also called showy beardtongue. Showy Penstemon is a low maintenance plant with minimal water requirements. That means you’ll probably only have to water it once a month or so.
Wild Foxglove
Penstemon cobaea
Wild Foxglove
The tube-like flowers of wild Foxglove attract hummingbirds, moths, butterflies, and other insects. Eventually, the wild Foxglove's flowers transform into blackened seed pods. They will grow in gardens, but new plants take several years to bloom.
Large beardtongue
Penstemon grandiflorus
Large beardtongue
The perennial large beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus) is endangered in some parts of the United States, so it rarely gets seen in the wild. It blooms in late spring with large, tubular pink or purple flowers. It is drought-tolerant and attracts bumblebees and hummingbirds.
Mountain pride
Penstemon newberryi
Mountain pride
Also known as mountain pride, the Penstemon newberryi is native to the mountains of northern California, Oregon and Nevada. It's a subshrub that blooms magenta flowers in spring, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators.
Davidson's penstemon
Penstemon davidsonii
Davidson's penstemon
Both the scientific and common names of Penstemon davidsonii, or davidson's penstemon, honor 19th century geographer and surveyor Dr. George Davidson. This mat-forming perennial blooms with relatively large purple flowers.
Royal penstemon
Penstemon speciosus
Royal penstemon
The light-blue and lavender flowers of royal penstemon make this beautiful perennial a noteworthy garden ornamental. This wildflower of the western United States occurs in a wide range of habitats, but as a garden plant, it likes sunny sites and well-drained soil. It is also a good flower for attracting butterflies and various types of insects.
Small-flower penstemon
Penstemon procerus
Small-flower penstemon
Native to western North America, the Penstemon procerus grows in a mountain habitat with one or more clusters of tubular flowers that have lipped, lobed mouths. It can reach up to 40 cm in maximum height. A tea-like beverage has traditionally been made by boiling the dried leaves and stems of the small-flower penstemon.
Bridge penstemon
Penstemon rostriflorus
Bridge penstemon
Bridge penstemon (Penstemon rostriflorus), also sometimes called beaked penstemon, is a perennial herb that grows in relatively dry environments in the southwestern United States. Its woody stalks reach up to 1 m in height and are topped with clusters of tubular flowers.
Rydberg's penstemon
Penstemon rydbergii
Rydberg's penstemon
Rydberg's penstemon (Penstemon rydbergii) is a perennial in the snapdragon family. It is native to the western United States and tends to grow in wet, grassy areas. It produces clusters of flowers which are most commonly bright blue, but might also be white, pink, red, or purple.
Scarlet bugler
Penstemon centranthifolius
Scarlet bugler
Scarlet bugler (Penstemon centranthifolius) grows in dry environments around California and Mexico. The stalks can reach 1 m tall and sprout a series of tubular flowers near the top. Though scarlet bugler flowers are red, they also often hybridize with the blue-flowered showy penstemon and produce purplish flowers.
Scabland penstemon
Penstemon deustus
Scabland penstemon
The Penstemon deustus is commonly known as the scabland penstemon and is native to the United States' southwestern parts. It requires little water, making it a convenient plant for use in landscaping projects.
Venus penstemon
Penstemon venustus
Venus penstemon
Venus penstemon (Penstemon venustus) is a Western US native aromatic perennial shrub yielding huge, beautiful purple flowers which attract various pollinators like bees and butterflies. It is utilized in wildlife habitat rehabilitation and enhancement initiatives and is a great ornamental plant for water-rise landscapes and desert gardens. It is drought tolerant and thrives well in well-drained sandy loam under full sunlight.
Utah penstemon
Penstemon utahensis
Utah penstemon
Utah penstemon (Penstemon utahensis) is a perennial herbaceous plant that blooms in spring with red tubular-shaped flowers that attract bees butterflies and hummingbirds. Flowers grow along a leafless stalk. Commonly found growing in rocky hillsides and woodland areas. Also known as Utah firecracker.
Whipple's penstemon
Penstemon whippleanus
Whipple's penstemon
Whipple's penstemon is a mat-forming plant commonly cultivated as an ornamental due to its striking burgundy blooms. It is typically planted in informal gardens and city residences, beds, and borders. Whipple's penstemon is an ideal choice for a wildlife garden as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects.
Bush penstemon
Penstemon fruticosus
Bush penstemon
Penstemon fruticosus is a spreading, semi-evergreen shrub up to 40 cm tall. The flowers are tubular and pink, lavender, or purple. Penstemon fruticosus is included in Penstemon subgenus Dasanthera, along with P. barrettiae, P. cardwellii, P. davidsonii, P. ellipticus, P. lyallii, P. montanus, P. newberryi, and P. rupicola.
Pineneedle beardtongue
Penstemon pinifolius
Pineneedle beardtongue
Pineneedle beardtongue is notable for its needle-like foliage resembling that of a pine tree, adapted to retain moisture in arid conditions. Vivid red-orange tubular flowers bloom atop slender stems, attracting hummingbirds which play a role in pineneedle beardtongue's pollination. This sun-loving perennial thrives in well-drained soils, forming compact mounds indicative of its ability to withstand both draught and lower temperatures with evergreen durability.
Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis
Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis
Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis
Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis isn't just a normal pollinator attractor — it's highly sought after, particularly by native bee populations in its endemic habitats. This flower appeals to masses of native bees, providing essential food for these "workers." You can find this wildflower blooming throughout the summertime across the western states of the USA.
Sharpsepal beardtongue
Penstemon tenuis
Sharpsepal beardtongue
Penstemon tenuis is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family known by the common name sharpsepal beardtongue. It is endemic to Texas Louisiana Mississippi and Arkansas in the United States where it is found in open damp areas in alluvial soil. It flowers from spring into summer.
Beardtongues 'Pensham Laura'
Penstemon 'Pensham Laura'
Beardtongues 'Pensham Laura'
Beardtongues 'Pensham Laura' is a beardtongue cultivar known and admired for its showy pink-edged, white flowers. Bell-shaped blooms and narrow leaves adorn the stems of this plant. Beardtongues 'Pensham Laura' is drought-tolerant, prefers full sun, and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a winner in the perennial garden.
Hartweg's beardtongue 'Arabesque Appleblossom'
Penstemon hartwegii 'Arabesque Appleblossom'
Hartweg's beardtongue 'Arabesque Appleblossom'
Hartweg's beardtongue 'Arabesque Appleblossom' is a cultivar of Hartweg beardtongue known for the unique color of its flowers. While most varieties of this species have flowers with vibrant or dark shades of red or purple, this cultivar has blooms of soft pink and white, which are reminiscent of the colors of apple blossoms (hence the name).
Beardtongues 'Stapleford Gem'
Penstemon × gloxinioides 'Stapleford Gem'
Beardtongues 'Stapleford Gem'
Beardtongues 'Stapleford Gem' is a hybrid perennial that showcases striking tubular flowers, resembling those of a foxglove, in vibrant hues of pink and purple. Its foliage is lance-shaped and glossy, contributing to its lush appearance. Thriving in well-drained soils, beardtongues 'Stapleford Gem' benefits from a position that receives full sun to partial shade, where it can attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Its striking blooms emerge in the warmth of late spring and continue through early summer, adding a splash of color to garden borders.
Beardtongues 'Sour Grapes'
Penstemon 'Sour Grapes'
Beardtongues 'Sour Grapes'
Beardtongues 'Sour Grapes' boasts a striking display of bell-shaped flowers blending from deep violet to a muted blue-gray, reminiscent of ripening grapes. Its foliage forms a lush base of narrow, dark green leaves, which provide a striking contrast to the blooms that arch gracefully on slender stems. Thriving in well-draining soils and sunny exposures, beardtongues 'Sour Grapes' is enticing to pollinators and resilient in dry, rocky landscapes, emblematic of its enduring beauty and adaptability.
Beardtongues 'Maurice Gibbs'
Penstemon × gloxiniodes 'Maurice Gibbs'
Beardtongues 'Maurice Gibbs'
Beardtongues 'Maurice Gibbs' is a showy, herbaceous perennial with tubular flowers of vibrant pink to purple shades, made prominent by the contrasting white throat. The foliage is narrow and lance-shaped, typically lush green, providing a striking backdrop for the blossoms. Ideally suited for temperate climates, beardtongues 'Maurice Gibbs' thrives in well-drained soils and benefits from full sun to partial shade, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to its nectar-rich blooms.
Beardtongues 'Hidcote Pink'
Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink'
Beardtongues 'Hidcote Pink'
Beardtongues 'Hidcote Pink' is a bushy beardtongue with large pink flowers, white throats, and purple stripes that bloom from mid-summer through fall. The leaves are lance-shaped and grey-green. Beardtongues 'Hidcote Pink' is named after the Hidcote Manor Garden in the United Kingdom.
Beardtongues 'Apple Blossom'
Penstemon gloxinoides 'Apple Blossom'
Beardtongues 'Apple Blossom'
Beardtongues 'Apple Blossom' is a type of penstemon or beardtongue. Beardtongues 'Apple Blossom' is named for the resemblance of its pink and white flowers to apple blossoms. This variety is quite compact and grows vigorously and reliably, making it a recommended choice for pots. It attracts a wide range of pollinators but is deer- and rabbit-resistant.
Beardtongues 'George Home'
Penstemon 'George Home'
Beardtongues 'George Home'
Beardtongues 'George Home' is a showy perennial with cerise flowers that have contrasting white mouths and throats. The flowers bloom throughout late summer and early autumn. The foliage consists of narrow, dark green leaves. Beardtongues 'George Home' grow vigorously and reaches 61 to 91 cm.
Foothill penstemon 'Catherine de la Mare'
Penstemon heterophyllus 'Catherine de la Mare'
Foothill penstemon 'Catherine de la Mare'
Foothill penstemon 'Catherine de la Mare' has bell-shaped, blue-purple flowers and thin blue-green foliage. This cultivar is a hybrid between Penstemon heterophyllus and an unknown species. It was produced in the 1950s by Richard de la Mare, who name it for his wife, Catherine.
Bellflower beardtongue 'Garnet'
Penstemon campanulatus 'Garnet'
Bellflower beardtongue 'Garnet'
Bellflower beardtongue 'Garnet' is a cultivar of Bellflower beardtongue. Named 'Garnet' for the flowers' stunning dark pinkish-red color, it is a popular garden plant. Along with the uniquely colored blooms, bellflower beardtongue 'Garnet' has a longer blooming time than its parent plant. It is also bred for hardiness, along with persistence in returning each year.
Bellflower beardtongue 'Evelyn'
Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'
Bellflower beardtongue 'Evelyn'
Bellflower beardtongue 'Evelyn' is a cultivar of Bellflower beardtongue distinguished for its rose-pink flowers with white throats and red lines. The parent species typically has purple-pink or violet blooms. Furthermore, this cultivar is more compact than other Bellflower beardtongue varieties, growing only to a height of 1 m instead of 3 m. Gardeners love this variety for its hardiness and attractiveness to bees and birds.
Beardtongues 'Rich Ruby'
Penstemon 'Rich Ruby'
Beardtongues 'Rich Ruby'
Named for the color of its bell-shaped flowers, beardtongues 'Rich Ruby' is a gorgeous Penstemon cultivar with dark maroon flowers, white stamens, and purple stems. The flowers bloom from early summer through fall. Beardtongues 'Rich Ruby' grows vigorously and reaches 61 to 91 cm.
Hartweg's beardtongue 'Arabesque Red'
Penstemon hartwegii 'Arabesque Red'
Hartweg's beardtongue 'Arabesque Red'
Hartweg's beardtongue 'Arabesque Red' is a superb hybrid that brings the bright red colors of the parent Hartweg's beardtongue to gardens but adds extra vigor and profusion of flowering. These showy flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant received the 2014 AAS Flower Award.
Beardtongues 'Osprey'
Penstemon 'Osprey'
Beardtongues 'Osprey'
Beardtongues 'Osprey' produces lovely pink flowers that have contrasting white throats (as does its namesake). This beardtongue is taller than others, growing up to 91 to 122 cm. Beardtongues 'Osprey' is part of the ‘Bird Series’ introduced by Ron Sidwell, and is named after the popular bird of prey.
Beardtongues 'Hewell Pink Bedder'
Penstemon 'Hewell Pink Bedder'
Beardtongues 'Hewell Pink Bedder'
Beardtongues 'Hewell Pink Bedder' is named for the color of its flowers, which are foxglove-like in shape and growth pattern. A decorative border or bed plant, it can survive in cold winters as long as it is brought under cover or insulated. Beardtongues 'Hewell Pink Bedder' is known for attracting bees, particularly bumblebees, to the garden.
Beardtongues 'Pike's Peak Purple'
Penstemon × mexicali 'Pike's Peak Purple'
Beardtongues 'Pike's Peak Purple'
Beardtongues 'Pike's Peak Purple' is a robust perennial hybrid known for its vibrant purple tubular flowers, which bloom prolifically atop tall stems and attract pollinators. Its slender leaves are primarily basal, with a few adorning the stems. Adaptable to various conditions, beardtongues 'Pike's Peak Purple' flourishes in well-drained soils, full sun to partial shade, and is drought tolerant once established, adding long-lasting color to xeriscapes and rock gardens.
Beardtongues 'Garnet'
Penstemon × gloxinoides 'Garnet'
Beardtongues 'Garnet'
Beardtongues 'Garnet' is a vibrant perennial boasting tubular, richly colored flowers reminiscent of garnets. The blooms gracefully adorn tall, slender spikes, rising from lush foliage in a dense clump. These botanical jewels thrive in well-drained soils, where full sunlight enhances their flowering prowess, attracting a symphony of pollinators to the garden.
Beardtongues 'Pensham Plum Jerkum'
Penstemon 'Pensham Plum Jerkum'
Beardtongues 'Pensham Plum Jerkum'
Beardtongues 'Pensham Plum Jerkum' is a modern perennial penstemon cultivar, named after an old-fashioned fruit drink. The drink is the same plum color as the exquisite petals. These flowers also have white inner throats and they appear in profusion all summer and autumn long.
Beardtongues 'Beech Park'
Penstemon 'Beech Park'
Beardtongues 'Beech Park'
Winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, its tubes of pink and white flowers make beardtongues 'Beech Park' stand out among its family members. Cultivated as a hybrid in Ireland, it was named after its cultivator's Dublin garden, "Beech Park." beardtongues 'Beech Park' won its famous award for its abundant and beautiful blooms, long blooming season, and lovely semi-evergreen foliage.
Beardtongues 'Chester Scarlet'
Penstemon 'Chester Scarlet'
Beardtongues 'Chester Scarlet'
Named for its vibrant blooms, beardtongues 'Chester Scarlet' is a beardtongue variety that sports scarlet flowers with white throats. This variety blooms later than other beardtongues, starting in midsummer when others have finished blooming. Gardeners love that this cultivar brings such vibrant colors after the spring palette has died away.
Beardtongues 'Firebird'
Penstemon gloxinioides 'Firebird'
Beardtongues 'Firebird'
Beardtongues 'Firebird' is a vibrant perennial known for its tubular, fiery red flowers that bloom from spring to early fall. Its tall, erect stems and lance-shaped leaves create a bushy backdrop to the striking blossoms. This hardy plant thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to its nectar-rich blooms.
Foothill penstemon 'Blue Spring'
Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring'
Foothill penstemon 'Blue Spring'
Foothill penstemon 'Blue Spring' dazzles with tubular azure blossoms that flourish in the spring, radiating among lance-shaped foliage. This perennial's vibrant display is particularly suited to rocky soils and dry landscapes, where it forms generous clumps up to 2 feet high. Resilient and drought-tolerant, foothill penstemon 'Blue Spring' merges ornamental beauty with rugged adaptability.
Foothill penstemon 'Margarita BOP'
Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP'
Foothill penstemon 'Margarita BOP'
The foothill penstemon 'Margarita BOP' cultivar of the Foothill penstemon was grown to live longer, be easy to grow, and resist deer. Planters appreciate it for the dramatic visual effect it offers when planted en masse along a dry mixed border. Its compact size means that it grows "tidy." The name has a dual origin, with "Margarita" referring to Santa Margarita, the place of its birth, and "BOP" an abbreviation for "back of porch," the specific location where it was found.
Foxglove beardtongue 'Husker Red'
Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'
Foxglove beardtongue 'Husker Red'
Foxglove beardtongue 'Husker Red' is a popular native wildflower grown for its striking magenta foliage and tall spikes of pink tubular flowers. It attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, and is deer-resistant. Native to the eastern US, it thrives in sunny or part-shade locations and well-drained soil.
Pineneedle beardtongue 'Wisley Flame'
Penstemon pinifolius 'Wisley Flame'
Pineneedle beardtongue 'Wisley Flame'
Pineneedle beardtongue 'Wisley Flame' is a cultivated plant from the plantain family. It is bred as a low-growing compact shrub, which is smaller than other plants in the genus. It’s also cultivated for hardiness. Pineneedle beardtongue 'Wisley Flame' is an Award of Garden Merit winner. Gardeners love the bright reddish-orange flowers that bloom in the summer.
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Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The shape of the flower is perfect for long-beaked birds. Their tolerance of drought also makes them good options in areas where irrigation is not frequent. The largest collection of penstemon can be seen at the Arboretum at Flagstaff, Arizona, and they grow well in the southwestern climate.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
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Key Facts About Penstemon

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Attributes of Penstemon

Planting Time
Spring
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
60 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
5 - 35 ℃

Scientific Classification of Penstemon

distribution

Distribution of Penstemon

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Distribution Map of Penstemon

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
care detail

How to Grow and Care for Penstemon

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The penstemon genus is lauded for its colorful, tubular flowers and overall durability. Basic care needs include full to partial sunlight, moderate watering, average room temperatures, and well-drained soils for optimal growth. Common challenges are pests such as aphids and slugs, along with occasional issues of powdery mildew and root rot. Seasonal considerations encompass winter mulching in colder areas and pruning in early spring for cleaner growth. Understanding the ecological nitty-gritty of penstemons is key in cultivating them effectively.
More Info About Caring for Penstemon
species

Exploring the Penstemon Plants

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8 most common species:
Penstemon digitalis
Foxglove beardtongue
Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is an herbaceous plant related to plantains. Penstemon digitalis means "finger-like" due to the plant's flowers resemblance to the fingers of a gloved hand. Foxglove beardtongue is easily grown and often cultivated on roadsides for landscaping purposes.
Penstemon barbatus
Beardlip penstemon
Beardlip penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is a perennial flowering species that grows best in full sunlight. Beardlip penstemon attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The common name references yellow hairs on the lower lip of the flower. Gardeners should avoid fertilizing this plant excessively.
Penstemon campanulatus
Bellflower beardtongue
Bellflower beardtongue (Penstemon campanulatus), originally from Mexico, has been cultivated as an easy-to-grow, long-flowering, drought-tolerant plant for garden borders and rockeries. It is hardy enough to cope with desert or alpine conditions. The flowers attract a wide range of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Penstemon strictus
Rocky mountain penstemon
Rocky mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is a perennial that grows from 61 to 76 cm tall. It is an evergreen that is easy to grow. It produces spikes of bright blue flowers in spring. The long-lasting blooms attract hummingbirds and bees. It is rabbit resistant, and good for areas needing erosion control. Rocky mountain penstemon requires full sun and multiplies under good growing conditions.
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All Species of Penstemon

popular genus

More Popular Genus

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Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
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