Penstemon 'Blackbeard' Beardtongue

The Penstemon 'Blackbeard' is a robust perennial renowned for its striking foliage and blossoms. Beginning in early summer, this plant displays a stunning profusion of lilac purple flowers with white tubes, perched atop a mound of deep purple, eggplant hued foliage. This foliage remains upright and beautiful all season, the flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting a variety of pollinators including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The 'Blackbeard' also produces dark burgundy seed pods, which add to its late-season appeal

A variety of Penstemon digitalis, it's also known as beardtongue or foxglove beardtongue. 'Blackbeard' has strong, compact stems that form am upright clumping habit in spring. This penstemon has a moderate growth rate, making it an excellent choice for specimen or container planting. However, its true beauty shines when generously grouped in beds or borders. It's a perfect addition to a pollinator garden and ideal for naturalizing. Penstemon pairs beautifully with echinacea, panicum, dianthus, agastache, coreopsis, or sedum for a stunning perennials and pollinator garden.

Beardtongues are cold hardy and easy to grow, thriving best in sunny locations with well-drained soil. They are heat and humidity tolerant, can withstand drought, and are rarely affected by pests or diseases.

As a native North American plant, the penstemon is both beautiful and environmentally friendly. It's naturally adapted to the region's climate and soil conditions, thriving without the need for fertilizers or extra watering. It also acts as a natural pest control, reducing the need for pesticides. Because landscaping with native plants like the penstemon promotes biodiversity and provides a habitat and food for wildlife and pollinators, your garden will provide benefits to you and to nature.