Pale Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), also known as Smooth Beardtongue, is a graceful North American native perennial prized for its tall spikes of tubular, white flowers with delicate pale pink to lavender shades on the throat. Blooming from late spring to early summer, this adaptable plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms. Pale Beardtongue thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, tolerating dry conditions once established. Its slender, lance-shaped foliage forms a tidy clump, making it suitable for borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic landscapes. Low maintenance and deer-resistant, Pale Beardtongue adds elegance and wildlife appeal to garden settings.
Ships as a Landscape-Ready Plug 6 Plant Minimum
Pale Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) info from Missouri Botanical Garden
Common Name: Pale Beardtongue, Smooth Beardtongue
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Plantaginaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Bloom Description: White with pale pink to lavender throat
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)
Ornamental Features
Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a stunning North American native perennial known for its elegant spires of tubular, white flowers adorned with delicate pale pink to lavender shades inside. Blooming from late spring to early summer, this herbaceous plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms. Beardtongue thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, adapting well to various soil types. Its lance-shaped, glossy green foliage forms dense clumps, making it a standout in borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic landscapes. With its ease of cultivation and low maintenance needs, Beardtongue is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful, wildlife-friendly addition to their gardens.
Planting and Growing
Penstemon digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove Beardtongue, is a striking North American native perennial admired for its tall spikes of tubular, white to pale pink flowers with delicate purple markings inside. This herbaceous plant typically reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) with a spread of about 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 45 cm). The lance-shaped, glossy green leaves form a basal rosette and line the erect stems, providing a lush backdrop to the showy flowers. Blooming from late spring to early summer, Foxglove Beardtongue attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden with its nectar-rich blooms. It thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, tolerating dry conditions once established. This perennial is well-suited for cottage gardens, borders, and naturalistic landscapes, adding vertical interest and a splash of color. Maintenance is minimal, typically involving deadheading spent flowers to encourage reblooming and tidy appearance.
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