Pale Beardtongue
Penstemon pallidus
General Information
Pale Beardtongue is an easy-to-grow herbaceous perennial.
Pale Beardtongue is typically found in drier environments like dry or rocky open woods, glades, sandy soils on prairies, bluffs, rocky cliffs, abandoned fields and along railroads. It does best in drier well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Wet, poorly drained soils should be avoided.
Pale Beardtongue has white showy flowers and blooms between May and June. Removing spent flowers will prolong its bloom.
Plant Information
Plant Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Sun Preference:
Full Sun * Part Sun
Soil Moisture Preference:
Medium-Dry * Dry
Plant Height:
1 foot
Plant Width:
0.5 to 1 foot
Plant Spacing:
0.5 to 1 foot
Flower Color:
White
Flower timing:
May to June
Culture Information:
Pale Beardtongue works best in pollinator gardens, butterfly gardens, drought tolerant gardens, native gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens, naturalized areas, open woodland areas, or borders.
When first planted, Pale 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, Pale Beardtongue does not typically need watering, as it is drought tolerant.
Pale Beardtongue can be cut back to the ground in late fall or over winter. Removing the flowering stalk after bloom can improve appearance of the planting.
Tolerates:
Deer
Drought
Dry Soil
Heat
Humidity
Pests & Disease:
Pale Beardtongue typically has no serious insect problems.
Pale Beardtongue has no major disease problems. Root rot can occur in wet, poorly-drained soils. Leaf Spot and Rust are occasional problems.
Wildlife Use:
Pollinators: Pale Beardtongue attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators..
Birds: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will use Pale Beardtongue as a nectar source
Mammals: N/A.
Other: N/A.
Native to:
More Information:
NC State Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden:
TN-KY Plant Atlas
Other Link: