Blackbeard Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis 'Blackbeard'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Dry to medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
A North American native perennial known as foxglove beardtongue, featuring upright stems with panicles of tubular, two-lipped flowers. It is adaptable, low-maintenance, and a valuable pollinator plant. Distinguished by its striking, deep eggplant-purple foliage that holds its color through summer. It produces lilac-purple flowers with white interiors on dark purple stems, creating a dramatic contrast.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings lightly and keep soil moist; roots develop in 4-6 weeks.
- Plant in full sun for optimal flowering and health.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep soil evenly moist.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote growth.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.
Pro Tip
Seedlings benefit from stratification; chill seeds for 2 weeks before planting for better germination.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during dormant season
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season to prevent weak growth
- Avoid planting in heavy shade where it won't bloom
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blackbeard Beardtongue questions
What zones can Blackbeard Beardtongue grow in?
Blackbeard 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 Blackbeard Beardtongue deer resistant?
Yes — Blackbeard Beardtongue is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blackbeard Beardtongue bloom?
Blackbeard Beardtongue typically blooms in late spring to mid-summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blackbeard Beardtongue need full sun?
Blackbeard Beardtongue does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Blackbeard Beardtongue drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blackbeard Beardtongue handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Penstemon to compare
Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis 'George Home'
Beardtongue Rondo
Penstemon barbatus 'Rondo'
Dark Towers Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis 'Dark Towers'
Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Red Foxglove Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis 'Arabesque Red'
Blue Springs Penstemon
Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Springs'
Keep exploring
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Grow Blackbeard Beardtongue with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
