If you’re looking for a high-impact, long-blooming perennial with low water requirements and amazing diversity, penstemon, or beardtongue, is a top contender. Because of their tubular nectar-rich flowers, they are one of the best garden perennials for attracting hummingbirds, according to The Hummingbird Society, rivaling salvias, columbines, honeysuckles and other hummingbird favorites. (Zones: 5-8; Height: 3 to 6 feet; Bloom time: Late spring), Loose spires of bright orange-red flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles tiny pine needles. In addition to hummingbirds, bees also adore the pollen and nectar; Penstemon is a smart addition to a pollinator or meadow garden. Two popular selections include rosy pink Red Rocks® and violet purple Pikes Peak Purple®. He also covers parenting, juvenile science experiments, cooking and alternative/home remedies. If you are growing species native to your area, you will rarely have to give them supplemental water after they become well established. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric). Full sun. This can be done by taking softwood cuttings of nonflowering shoots in mid to late summer or by dividing plants in late winter or early spring. Developed in Nebraska, this tough cold-hardy hybrid is ideal for gardens in northern climates The plants form low clumps of deep green foliage, set off in early summer by tall spires of vibrant purple flowers with white throats and magenta veining. Attractive glossy deep green foliage. One of the showiest native penstemons, Beardtongue can reach heights of three feet with stunning lavender-pink flowers. In early summer, airy spires of white flowers with just the faintest blush of pink emerge, creating a striking contrast with the dark foliage. The white flowers bloom for a month or longer, and look great with the blue flowers of Ohio Spiderwort and Blue Eyed Grass. resources Penstemon. Most penstemons are herbaceous perennials, but some hybrid strains are half-hardy and better suited for use as annual bedding plants. Penstemons may be bothered by slugs, snails, and spider mites. (Zones: 4-9; Height: 10 to 12 inches; Bloom time: Late spring to midsummer), Mexicali penstemons are hybrids of Mexican species having large, showy flowers crossed with native North American species that exhibit good cold-tolerance. While the bloom time is relatively short, 2-3 weeks in May or June, the plant offers beautiful vertical structure and silvery blue-green succulent foliage, making it a versatile player in the garden or naturalized setting. Plant beardtongues in a sunny spot with at least 12 inches of space between each plant. Some species have tubular flowers that are beloved by hummingbirds. Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue) is a bushy clump-forming perennial with strong, erect stems boasting stalked clusters of bell-shaped, white flowers, 1 in. Part of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), penstemons are a huge genus of plants encompassing approximately 270 species and over 800 cultivars and hybrids. Penstemon Electric Blue - Common name:Beardtongue - Flowering spikes with trumpets of vivid blue. Colder areas where the soil and air warms slowly in spring see the main flowering display around midsummer once temperatures have risen. (Zones: 4-9; Height: 2 to 3 feet; Bloom time: Early summer). Beardtongue are long blooming and will do well in a drier climate; especially happy in loose gravelly soil and good drainage. As the name implies, 'Electric Blue' has iridescent bright-blue flowers that seem to light up the garden with their intensity. Amend the bed with compost if you're growing hybrid varieties, or leave the soil in its natural state for wild species. A California native, ‘Electric Blue’ is tolerant of drought and coastal climates. (Zones: 4-8; Height: 1 to 3 feet; Bloom time: Early to midspring), One of the few that are fragrant, honey-scented light pink flowers are held high on spikes as tall as 6 feet. Many are easily grown from seed. Hardiness Zones: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. With such a wide variety of species and cultivars to choose from, you can have a penstemon blooming for almost the entire growing season. ‘Midnight Masquerade’ Penstemon hybrid. “The beauty and variability of penstemons have brought them to the forefront of home gardening, especially in areas subjected to droughts,” says Jennifer Bennett, author of Dryland Gardening. Water Category: Average ... but the bed that its in is full of white-petaled penstemon that were here when I moved in, so I was confident of the conditions. It’s also one of the longest-lived and one of the easiest to grow from seed. Named the 1996 perennial plant of the year by the Perennial Plant Association, this is one of the few that tolerates moist soils and humid climates. Another variety with colorful foliage, ‘Husker Red’ features striking maroon-red leaves that rival the bronzy purple foliage of ‘Palace Purple’ heuchera. They are tubular and asymmetrical with a hairy lower lip, hence the common name beardtongue. Although there are no serious threats, watch for root rot in poorly draining soils. ‘Dark Towers’ also seems to retain its color better in summer. Resistant to both drought and heat and will thrive on dry rocky slopes and hillsides. This hybrid selection forms a low clump of … The 24 Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds. Most species bloom during May and June in the middle latitudes of the U.S, according to the American Penstemon Society. The shape and color of the leaves vary depending on the cultivar. 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