Grow Me Instead

Beardtongue

Penstemon barbatus

About This Species

Grow me instead of Foxglove, Himalayan balsam (Policeman’s helmet), Yellow toadflax

Beard-tongue is a classic red-flowering perennial. Hummingbirds love its scarlet, funnel-shaped flowers for their tasty nectar. This plant has twiggy, fine-textured stems with few leaves. It blooms repeatedly from spring to fall. Beard-tongue is drought tolerant and well suited to dry, rocky soils. It grows from 40 – 70 cm tall and does best in full to part sun.

When selecting non-invasive plants for your garden, be sure to look for those that are suitable for your location, including moisture requirements, hardiness zone, and avoidance of known bear attractants among other factors.