Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
General Information
Foxglove Beardtongue is an easy-to-grow, clump-forming herbaceous perennial.
Foxglove Beardtongue is typically found in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods, and along railroad tracks. It prefers well-drained, moist to dry loamy soils. It tolerates clay soil if it is well-drained.
Foxglove Beardtongue has showy white or purple-tinged tubular flowers. Foxglove Beardtongue blooms between May and July. It can be used as a cut flower.
Plant Information
Plant Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Sun Preference:
Full Sun * Part Sun
Soil Moisture Preference:
Medium * Medium-Dry
Plant Height:
3 to 4 feet
Plant Width:
1 to 2 feet
Plant Spacing:
1 to 1.5 feet
Flower Color:
White
Flower timing:
June and July
Culture Information:
Foxglove Beardtongue works best in pollinator gardens, butterfly gardens, drought tolerant gardens, native gardens, rock gardens, rain gardens, naturalized areas, or borders.
When first planted, Foxglove Beardtongue should be watered weekly for first few months, unless at least an inch of rain has been received in the last week to help it get established. After it becomes established, Foxglove Beardtongue does not typically need watering, as it is drought tolerant.
Foxglove Beardtongue can be cut back to the ground in late fall or over winter. In a garden setting, it can sometimes spread somewhat aggressively.
Tolerates:
Drought
Dry Soil
Deer
Clay Soil
Pests & Disease:
Foxglove Beardtongue typically has no serious insect problems.
Foxglove Beardtongue has no major disease problems. Root rot can occur in wet, poorly-drained soils, and Leaf Spot is an occasional problem.
Wildlife Use:
Pollinators: Foxglove Beardtongue attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Foxglove Beardtongue supports the specialized bee Osmia (Melanosmia) distincta.
Birds: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will use Foxglove Beardtongue as a nectar source
Mammals: Deer tend to avoid Foxglove Beardtongue.
Other: N/A.
Native to:
More Information:
NC State Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden:
TN-KY Plant Atlas
Other Link: