Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, is a flowering perennial that blooms in a wide range of colors. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds.
Start penstemon seeds indoors in late winter. Barely cover the seeds with soil, then refrigerate for the number of weeks required by the particular species.
Penstemon angustifolius is a relatively short species with lavender-blue flowers in early summer. It's perfect for the rock garden or the edge of a path where you can admire the flowers up close. Suitable for containers. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Like most species, Penstemon angustifolius overwinters best when it has very well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification.
Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus' blooms throughout the summer with scarlet-red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. It is relatively easy to grow from seed, and it may bloom the first year if started early indoors.
Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus' has long-stemmed flowers that are good for cutting . Give 3 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Penstemon calycosus is a beautiful species with light purple flowers in early summer. It is native to the eastern United States.
Like Penstemon digitalis, Penstemon calycosus tolerates more shade and moisture than other penstemon species. It self sows nicely. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Penstemon cobaea has large, light to dark purple flowers that bloom in early to mid summer. It is one of the showiest of the penstemon species. It makes a nice companion plant for roses .
Penstemon cobaea is more shade tolerant than most other species. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Penstemon canescens (Eastern Gray Beardtongue)
350 seeds $3.75
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Penstemon canescens is native to the Eastern U.S. from Vermont to Alabama. It blooms in early summer with lavender flowers that have white throats. The stems are covered with tiny hairs. It looks similar to Penstemon hirsutus .
Penstemon canescens is relatively easy to grow in sandy soil. Hardy perennial in zones 4-8. Deer resistant. Give 6 weeks cold-moist stratification.
Penstemon eatonii is a hummingbird favorite. The brilliant, scarlet-red flowers bloom in early summer. The ripening seeds provide food for birds. Plant it with other early bloomers like Papaver rupifragum and Gaura lindheimeri .
Penstemon eatonii is drought-tolerant. It needs full sun and well-drained soil. Deer resistant. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Penstemon grandiflorus has large, lavender-purple or pink flowers that attract hummingbirds. The blue-green leaves are shaped like shells.
Penstemon grandiflorus is relatively easy to grow, tolerating more moisture than most species, although it may require staking in wet weather. Give 6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Penstemon hirsutus blooms in late spring to early summer with elegant lavender and white flowers. This is a medium-height penstemon with bushy growth and soft green leaves. It's good choice for the rock garden.
Penstemon hirsutus self sows very nicely in my garden. Drought tolerant . Give 4 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Penstemon cyanocaulis (Bluestem Beardtongue)
75 seeds $3.25
Picture coming soon...
Penstemon cyanocaulis is native to Utah and Colorado. It blooms in early summer with violet-blue flowers that attract hummingbirds and native bees.
Penstemon cyanocaulis is drought tolerant, preferring sandy soil in full sun. It's a good choice for xeriscaping. The plants can only be propogated by seed. Hardy perennial in zones 4-8. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification.
Penstemon palmeri is one of the showiest penstemons. It blooms from May to July with tall spikes of large, light pink flowers that attract hummingbirds and bumblebees. The fragrant flowers smell like grapes. Nice for cutting.
Penstemon palmeri is heat and drought tolerant. It needs full sun and well-drained soil. Give 6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Penstemon strictus blooms in June with stunning, violet-blue flowers on tall stems. It makes a lovely companion plant for roses. Great for cutting.
Penstemon strictus is relatively easy to grow. It attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects , including ladybugs, hoverflies and bees. Give 4 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Penstemon tubaeflorus has pure white flowers on tall stems in early summer. It is native to the Great Plains, so it tolerates a fair amount of moisture.
One day I saw Penstemon tubaeflorus after a hard rain storm, and it wasn't even phased. Hundreds of water droplets hung from the flowering stems, sparkling like diamonds! Give 6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Penstemon whippleanus 'Chocolate Drop' blooms in midsummer with drooping, purple-black flowers clustered near the top of the tall stems.
Penstemon whippleanus is native to the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S. from Montana to Arizona. Also known as Whipple's Beardtongue. Tolerates part shade. Hardy in zones 4-8. Give 3 weeks cold-moist stratification.