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White tubular foxglove beardtongue flowers on elegant stems in summer sunlightPerennials

Penstemon digitalis

Foxglove Beardtongue

beardtonguepenstemonbee-friendlyprairie gardendrought-tolerant

Foxglove beardtongue is a graceful North American native perennial with striking clusters of white, tubular flowers on elegant upright stems in June and July. The blooms attract a wide range of pollinators. The dark green foliage often has a reddish flush, especially in spring. An excellent choice for naturalistic plantings and prairie gardens.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
60–100 cm
Spread
30–45 cm
Hardiness zone
3–8
Family
Plantaginaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
white
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Tolerates drought, heat and poor soil superbly. No feeding needed. Once established, the plant is virtually self-sufficient. Self-seeds modestly and can gradually form a natural-looking drift.

Pruning tips

Leave the seed heads for winter silhouette and self-seeding. Cut dead foliage to the ground in early spring. Cut stems back after flowering if you wish to prevent self-seeding.

Good companions

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Bee Balm

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Full sunMedium60–120 cm
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Purple Coneflower

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Full sunLow60–120 cm