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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Begins the season with showy burgundy foliage that is highlighted with tones of deep green by mid-summer. Dark red stems hold the panicles of lavender pink flowers over a long flowering season in spring

HABITAT & HARDINESS: This is a cultivar and so it does not exist in the wild.

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Penstemon digitalis ‘Pocahontas,’ commonly known as Beardtongue, is a captivating perennial cultivar admired for its elegant spires of tubular, white to light pink flowers. Native to North America, this variety is a member of the Penstemon genus and typically reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet. The trumpet-shaped flowers are arranged in whorls along tall, slender stems, creating a graceful and architectural presence in the garden. ‘Pocahontas’ blooms in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators with its abundant nectar. The lance-shaped, deep green leaves provide a pleasing backdrop to the delicate flowers. This cultivar is a standout in cottage gardens, borders, and naturalistic landscapes, bringing a touch of native beauty to various garden settings.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Penstemon digitalis ‘Pocahontas’ thrives in well-drained soils and prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils, making it suitable for diverse garden environments. This cultivar is relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells.

Deadheading spent flowers can prolong the blooming period and encourage the development of new flower spikes. Beardtongue is generally low-maintenance, but dividing clumps every few years helps maintain vigor and prevents overcrowding. ‘Pocahontas’ is resistant to deer and rabbits, adding to its appeal for gardens frequented by browsing wildlife. With its adaptability and simple care requirements, this Penstemon cultivar is a valuable addition to pollinator gardens and naturalistic landscapes.

LANDSCAPE USES: Beneficial Insects; Bird Garden; Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Cut/Dried Flower Garden ;Deer Resistant Plantings; Hummingbird Garden; Mass/Group Planting; Low Maintenance Gardens; Meadow/Prairie; Native Plant Garden; Naturalizing; Perennial Borders; Pollinator Garden; This hardy cultivar should be included in pollinator gardens, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, rock gardens, perennial borders, meadows, cottage gardens, cut flower gardens, wildlife gardens, native plant gardens and for erosion control.

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS: Try pairing this cultivar with Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’; Baptisia australis; Ceonothus americanus;Monarda fisulosa; Phlox maculata; Liatris aspera; Lobelia cardinalis ‘New Moon Maroon’; Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ are suitable substitutes.