Penstemon payettensis has deep violet-blue flowers in June. The vivid flowers are good for attracting hummingbirds.
Penstemon payettensis is a tall species that grows happily in regular, well-drained garden soil. It doesn't seem too fussy, and it self-sows moderately. Give 4-6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
height 30"
Penstemon angustifolius
(Narrowleaf Beardtongue)
120 seeds $3.50
HomePenstemon angustifolius is a relatively short species with lavender-blue flowers in early summer. It's perfect for the rock garden or the edge of a path where you can admire the flowers up close. Suitable for containers. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Like most species, Penstemon angustifolius overwinters best when it has very well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification.
height 12" spacing 10"
Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus'
(Jingle Bells, Iron Maiden)
80 seeds $4.00 out of stock
Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus' blooms throughout the summer with scarlet-red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. It is relatively easy to grow from seed, and it may bloom the first year if started early indoors.
Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus' has long-stemmed flowers that are good for cutting. Give 3 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 3-9.
height 36" spacing 18"
Penstemon calycosus
(Calico Beardtongue)
800 seeds $3.25
Penstemon calycosus is a beautiful species with light purple flowers in early summer. It is native to the eastern United States.
Like Penstemon digitalis, Penstemon calycosus tolerates more shade and moisture than other penstemon species. It self sows nicely. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 3-9.
height 24" spacing 12"
Penstemon canescens
(Eastern Gray Beardtongue)
350 seeds $3.75
Penstemon canescens is native to the Eastern U.S. from Vermont to Alabama. It blooms in early summer with lavender flowers that have white throats. The stems are covered with tiny hairs.
Penstemon canescens is relatively easy to grow in sandy soil. Deer resistant. Give 6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-8.
height 24" spacing 12"
Penstemon clutei
(Sunset Crater Penstemon)
160 seeds $3.25
Penstemon clutei blooms in midsummer with showy pink flowers that attract hummingbirds. It's a beautiful plant for xeriscaping.
Penstemon clutei is a rare species native to the Sunset Crater area near Flagstaff, Arizona. It requires well-drained soil in full sun. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-8.
height 36" spacing 18"
Penstemon eatonii
(Firecracker Beardtongue)
115 seeds $3.25
Penstemon eatonii is a hummingbird favorite. The brilliant, scarlet-red flowers bloom in early summer. The ripening seeds provide food for birds. Plant it with other early bloomers like Papaver rupifragum and Gaura lindheimeri.
Penstemon eatonii is drought-tolerant. It needs full sun and well-drained soil. Deer resistant. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
height 24" spacing 12"
Penstemon grandiflorus
(Shell Leaf Beardtongue)
200 seeds $3.25
Penstemon grandiflorus has large, lavender-purple or pink flowers that attract hummingbirds. The blue-green leaves are shaped like shells.
Penstemon grandiflorus is relatively easy to grow, tolerating more moisture than most species, although it may require staking in wet weather. Give 6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
height 30" spacing 12"
Penstemon hirsutus
(Hairy Beardtongue)
1600 seeds $3.50
Penstemon hirsutus blooms in late spring to early summer with elegant lavender and white flowers. This is a medium-height penstemon with bushy growth and soft green leaves. It's good choice for the rock garden.
Penstemon hirsutus self sows very nicely in my garden. Drought tolerant. Give 4 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
height 24" spacing 12"
Penstemon palmeri
(Palmer's Beardtongue)
500 seeds $3.25
Penstemon palmeri is one of the showiest penstemons. It blooms from May to July with tall spikes of large, light pink flowers that attract hummingbirds and bumblebees. The fragrant flowers smell like grapes. Nice for cutting.
Penstemon palmeri is heat and drought tolerant. It needs full sun and well-drained soil. Give 6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
height 3-4' spacing 15"
Penstemon strictus
(Rocky Mountain Beardtongue)
200 seeds $3.25
Penstemon strictus blooms in June with stunning, violet-blue flowers on tall stems. It makes a lovely companion plant for roses. Great for cutting.
Penstemon strictus is relatively easy to grow. It attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects, including ladybugs, hoverflies and bees. Give 4 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
height 30" spacing 12"
Penstemon tubaeflorus
(White Plains Beardtongue)
500 seeds $3.25
Penstemon tubaeflorus has pure white flowers on tall stems in early summer. It is native to the Great Plains, so it tolerates a fair amount of moisture.
One day I saw Penstemon tubaeflorus after a hard rain storm, and it wasn't even phased. Hundreds of water droplets hung from the flowering stems, sparkling like diamonds! Give 6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
height 40" spacing 15"
Penstemon cyanocaulis
(Bluestem Beardtongue)
75 seeds $3.25
Penstemon cyanocaulis is native to Utah and Colorado. It blooms in early summer with violet-blue flowers that attract hummingbirds and native bees.
Penstemon cyanocaulis is drought tolerant, preferring sandy soil in full sun. It's a good choice for xeriscaping. The plants can only be propogated by seed. Hardy perennial in zones 4-8. Give 8 weeks cold-moist stratification.
Penstemon Seeds
Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, is a flowering perennial that blooms in a wide range of colors. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds.
Sowing Penstemon Seeds
Start penstemon seeds indoors in late winter. Barely cover the seeds with soil, then refrigerate for the number of weeks required by the particular species.
Penstemon payettensis
(Payette Beardtongue)
75 seeds $3.25
Picture coming soon...
Picture coming soon...
Picture coming soon...
Penstemon humilis
(Lowly Beardtongue)
450 seeds $3.50
Penstemon humilis is native to the Western United States. The purple to blue, tubular flowers appear on plants that grow less than 2 feet tall.
Penstemon humilis is relatively easy to grow in full sun to light shade. It tolerates drought and poor soil. Also known as Low Beardtongue. Give 6-8 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 5-9.
height 18"
Picture coming soon...
Penstemon nitidus
(Waxleaf Beardtongue)
115 seeds $3.50
Penstemon nitidus is a small perennial with lavender, pink or blue, tubular flowers. It is native to meadows in the midwestern and mountain states.
Penstemon nitidus prefers dry conditions in full sun. It's one of the hardiest penstemons that we sell. The small size makes it perfect for rock gardens. Give 4-6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 3-9.
height 12"
Picture coming soon...
Penstemon secundiflorus
(Sidebells Penstemon)
125 seeds $3.50
Penstemon secundiflorus has lavender-pink to purple flowers that bloom on one side of the stem, giving it the common name of Sidebells Penstemon. Also known as Orchid Beardtongue for its flower color. Native to CO, NM and WY.
Penstemon secundiflorus grows best in sandy loam with full sun. Give 4-6 weeks cold-moist stratification. Hardy in zones 4-9.
height 18"
Picture coming soon...
