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Hairy Beardtongue
Penstemon hirsutus
PerennialHairy Beardtongue
Penstemon hirsutus
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Medium – Dry
Soil
Sandy, Loam
Size
1-2'
Bloom
Violet/Pink, May–Jun
Why Grow It
Drought Tolerant
Thrives with little water once established
Deer Resistant
Great for gardens without fencing
Pollinator Magnet
Attracts many types of pollinators
Did You Know?
The "beardtongue" name comes from the hairy, sterile stamen that sticks out like a fuzzy tongue.
Tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks and long-tongued bees.
One of the hardiest Penstemons — tolerates cold winters and poor, dry soils.
Wildlife Value
🐦
Hummingbird Visitor
Tubular flowers attract ruby-throated hummingbirds in late spring
🐝
Mason Bee Food
Important pollen source for spring-active mason bees and bumblebees
Good Companions
🌾 Little Bluestem
🌸 Wild Geranium
⭐ Prairie Smoke
Planting Guide
- Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained, average soil
- Space 12–15″ apart; tolerates dry, lean conditions
- Avoid wet or clay-heavy soils — good drainage is essential
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li