Species beardtongue
baby-blue, trumpet-shape flowers with purple stems, and small, fleshy, yellow-green leaves

beardtongue

Penstemon caespitosus

Beardtongue (Penstemon caespitosus) is a wildflower found in the western US. This perennial has narrow leaves and a short crown. In the summer, it produces tall, leafless stems covered with clusters of purple horny-tipped blossoms. These showy flowers attract bumblebees and butterflies, making beardtongue a great addition to any garden. This easy-care plant is drought-tolerant, preferring an abundance of sunshine and well-draining soil. Beardtongue is ideal for borders or rock gardens, and can even be used as a groundcover if planted in mass. With its colorful blossoms and attractive foliage, it's a must-have for any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Lavender-purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Beardtongue (Penstemon caespitosus) requires moderate watering with a focus on making sure the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. Water frequently, allowing the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, or about 2 quarts (2 liters). You may need to water more frequently during particularly hot or dry weather.

sunlight

Beardtongue, also known as Penstemon caespitosus, an alpine meadow wildflower native to the western United States, requires full sun to perform best in gardens. For optimal results, these plants will need 5 or more hours of direct sunlight each day, ideally spread across the morning and afternoon. When placed in more shaded spots, Beardtongue will not reach its full potential in terms of height and bloom production. To ensure these plants stay healthy and vigorous, it’s important to provide them with ample sunlight throughout the year.

pruning

Beardtongue (Penstemon caespitosus) is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant species from the Plantaginaceae family. Pruning beardtongue is not usually required but can be done to encourage denser growth. The best time to prune beardtongue is in the late winter or early spring, before the plant begins actively growing. When pruning, make sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. Trim off any dead, diseased, or spindly stems, as well as any that are growing in an undesirable direction. Prune the shoots back to the desired height, taking care not to over-prune. Over-pruning can damage the plant and weaken its structure. To encourage bushier growth, utilize tip pruning in the late spring. This is where the tips of the stems are trimmed back to the desired length. Be sure to trim the stems back to the highest bud to reduce any future spindly growth. Generally, beardtongue does not need much pruning. Pruning should only be done when necessary for aesthetic reasons or to keep the plant healthy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Starts Flowering

Hardiness Map

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