How to Grow and Care for Penstemon

Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is an herbaceous plant related to plantains. Penstemon digitalis means "finger-like" due to the plant's flowers resemblance to the fingers of a gloved hand. Foxglove beardtongue is easily grown and often cultivated on roadsides for landscaping purposes.

Beardlip penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is a perennial flowering species that grows best in full sunlight. Beardlip penstemon attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The common name references yellow hairs on the lower lip of the flower. Gardeners should avoid fertilizing this plant excessively.

Bellflower beardtongue (Penstemon campanulatus), originally from Mexico, has been cultivated as an easy-to-grow, long-flowering, drought-tolerant plant for garden borders and rockeries. It is hardy enough to cope with desert or alpine conditions. The flowers attract a wide range of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Rocky mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is a perennial that grows from 61 to 76 cm tall. It is an evergreen that is easy to grow. It produces spikes of bright blue flowers in spring. The long-lasting blooms attract hummingbirds and bees. It is rabbit resistant, and good for areas needing erosion control. Rocky mountain penstemon requires full sun and multiplies under good growing conditions.

Eastern gray beardtongue (Penstemon canescens) is indigenous to the Appalachian mountains in the eastern United States. It is easy to grow and drought-tolerant. This species prefers well-drained soil and full or partial sun. It attracts pollinators.