CHECK AVAILABILITY

NO ADVANCE ORDERS (NAO) – A selection of plants are NAO-No Advanced Orders. They have proved to be tricky; acquiring propagules, producing them, or getting them through the winter. We only put them on our availability lists when they are ready to ship. No hopes dashed. Plants must ship within 2 weeks or their availability date.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Penstemon hirsutus does best in a thin, well-drained, usually dry soil and will tolerate full sun to partial shade.. Hairy stems give it its common name. Tubular flowers  in clusters of lavender to purple are an important nectar source from May to June.

HABITAT & HARDINESS: Hairy Beardtongue is native to the dry woods and rocky fields of eastern Canada and the United States

This species is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Penstemon hirsutus, commonly known as Hairy Beardtongue, is a charming perennial native to North America. This species is part of the Penstemon genus and is admired for its slender spikes of tubular flowers and distinctive hairy foliage. The plant typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet, with erect stems bearing whorls of tubular blooms. The flowers range in color from lavender to pale pink, creating a delicate and graceful appearance in the garden. Hairy Beardtongue is well-suited for various garden settings, including rock gardens, meadows, and borders. .

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Penstemon hirsutus thrives in well-drained soils and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. This species is known for its adaptability to difficult soil conditions, including rocky or sandy soils. Once established, Hairy Beardtongue is relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.

Regular deadheading of spent flowers can encourage prolonged blooming and maintain a neat appearance. This perennial is generally low-maintenance but benefits from occasional division every few years to rejuvenate the plant and prevent overcrowding. Hairy Beardtongue is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a suitable choice for gardens frequented by browsing wildlife. With its hardiness and straightforward care requirements, Penstemon hirsutus is an excellent addition to pollinator gardens and naturalistic landscapes.

LANDSCAPE USES: Beneficial Insects; Bird Garden; Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Cut/Dried Flower Garden; Deer Resistant Plantings ;Low Maintenance Gardens ;Mass/Group Planting; Meadow/Prairie; Native Plant Garden; Naturalizing; Perennial Borders; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden; Restoration/Conservation; Beneficial Insects; Bird Garden; Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Cut/Dried Flower Garden; Deer Resistant Plantings; Low Maintenance Gardens; Mass/Group Planting; Meadow/Prairie; Native Plant Garden; Naturalizing; Perennial Borders; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden; Restoration/Conservation.

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS: Try pairing Penstemon hirsutus with Carex cherokeensis; Monarda punctata, Scutellaria incana and Eryngium yuccifolium; If a substitute is needed consider Penstemon smallii or Penstemon digitalis.