Penstemon 'Blackbeard', an exceptional perennial plant, is prized for its striking foliage and flowers that bloom from early to midsummer when its tall stems burst into a spectacle of lilac purple blooms with contrasting white tubes. These beautiful flowers sit atop a mound of eggplant-purple leaves that remain upright and stunning throughout the season. The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding a lively touch to your garden, while the dark burgundy seed pods that follow extend the plant's appeal into the later seasons. The flowers also make excellent bouquets or additions to any floral arrangement.
As a variety of Penstemon digitalis, also known as beardtongue or foxglove beardtongue, 'Blackbeard' grows at moderately vigorous rate to form an upright clump, with its strong, compact stems sprouting from the base each spring. It makes a standout specimen or container plant; however, its true beauty shines when planted in groups or masses in beds or borders. Perfect for a pollinator garden or for naturalizing, it pairs well with agastache, coreopsis, dianthus, echinacea, panicum, and sedum.
Beardtongues tolerate cold and grow easily in sunny spots with well-drained soil. They are robust plants that flourish in heat and humidity, have a high tolerance for drought, and are rarely affected by insects or diseases.
As a native North American plant, penstemon is not only visually stunning but also environmentally beneficial. These plants are naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, thriving without the need for fertilizers or additional watering. They also serve as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides. Landscaping with native plants like penstemon promotes biodiversity and provides a habitat and quality food source for local wildlife and pollinators, truly bringing your garden to life.
