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Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
PerennialFoxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Dry – Medium
Soil
Loam
Size
3-5'
Bloom
White, May–Jun
Why Grow It
Pollinator Magnet
Attracts many types of pollinators
Drought Tolerant
Thrives with little water once established
Easy to Grow
Low maintenance & beginner friendly
Caterpillar Host
Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies
Did You Know?
The name 'Beardtongue' refers to the hairy, tongue-like sterile stamen inside each tubular flower that guides pollinators to the nectar.
Foxglove Beardtongue is one of the most adaptable Penstemon species, tolerating both occasional drought and brief flooding once established.
It attracts an impressive diversity of native bees including honeybees, bumblebees, miner bees, and mason bees, plus hummingbirds.
Wildlife Value
🐝
Native Bees
Bumblebees and mason bees are primary flower pollinators
🐦
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Visits tubular white flowers for nectar in early summer
🦋
Painted Lady Butterfly
Adults feed at flower clusters in sunny meadows
Good Companions
🌸 Wild Bergamot
💛 Black-eyed Susan
🌾 Little Bluestem
💜 Smooth Blue Aster
Planting Guide
- Sow seed in fall on soil surface; needs cold to germinate.
- Plant in full sun to part shade in average garden soil.
- Very adaptable; tolerates clay, drought, and deer browsing well.
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li