perennialN. America Native

Hairy Beardtongue

Name: Hairy Beardtongue
Brand: Penstemon
Availability: InStock

Penstemon hirsutus

$11.89

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial, but self-seeds

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Penstemon hirsutus is a tough, clump-forming perennial native to eastern North America, characterized by its hairy stems and leaves. It produces spikes of tubular, two-lipped flowers that are highly attractive to native pollinators. As the straight species, this plant offers the authentic genetic resilience and ecological value of a true native. Its soft lavender and white flowers are perfectly adapted for long-tongued bees, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its delicate spires of pale lavender flowers add a soft, airy quality to the garden in late spring. The low rosette of semi-evergreen foliage provides texture and groundcover even when not in bloom.

This Penstemon is an excellent choice for difficult, dry, and sunny sites such as slopes, rock walls, or gravel gardens where little else will thrive. It is a solution plant for low-water, low-maintenance landscapes.

It is a crucial food source for a variety of native pollinators, including bumblebees, mason bees, and hummingbirds. Its presence in a garden significantly boosts local biodiversity and supports the life cycles of these important creatures.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Romence Gardens

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$11.89

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny spot with very well-drained soil
Amend soil with gravel or sand if drainage is poor
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball
Set the plant so the crown is at or slightly above soil level
Backfill with native soil, do not add rich compost
Water once to settle soil, then water sparingly

Pro Tip

This plant thrives on neglect. Avoid rich soil and fertilizer, and do not overwater, as this can cause fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide sharp drainage; this is critical for survival
Plant in full sun for the most prolific flowering
Allow the plant to self-sow to ensure its persistence in the garden
Mulch with gravel or stone chips instead of organic mulch

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil
Avoid fertilizing, especially with high nitrogen formulas
Don't overwater; it is highly susceptible to root rot
Do not cover the crown with organic mulch

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Informal native plant or cottage gardensEssential component of rock gardens and dry slopesNaturalized in meadows and prairie-style plantings

Companion Plants

Coreopsis lanceolata Asclepias tuberosa Schizachyrium scoparium Oenothera fruticosa Echinacea pallida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hairy Beardtongue questions

What zones can Hairy Beardtongue grow in?

Hairy Beardtongue is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hairy Beardtongue deer resistant?

Yes — Hairy Beardtongue is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hairy Beardtongue bloom?

Hairy Beardtongue typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hairy Beardtongue need full sun?

Hairy Beardtongue does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Hairy Beardtongue drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hairy Beardtongue handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.