Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Penstemon hirsutus
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Hairy beardtongue carries lavender-purple trumpet flowers with white throats on fuzzy stems in early summer, and the fine hairs give the whole plant a silvery cast. Penstemon hirsutus is a native perennial growing 1 to 2 feet tall and 12 to 18 inches wide in full sun to part sun, hardy from Zone 4 through Zone 8.
Bloom comes in late spring and early summer. Hummingbirds and long-tongued bees feed at the tubular flowers, and penstemons are among the best hummingbird plants available.
The basal foliage is semi-evergreen and often flushes purple in cold weather, so the plant holds interest outside the bloom season.
This grows wild on dry rocky slopes, ledges, and open woods, so it wants sharp drainage and lean soil. Rich or wet ground is what kills penstemons, particularly over winter. It handles drought, poor soil, and moderate road salt once established, which makes it a good fit for a rock garden or a dry bank. Deer leave it alone.
Height 1'- 2' Spread 12"- 18"
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8
Lowest Temperatures -30°F to -20°F
Full sun to part sun- at least 4 hours direct sun per day
CT, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
