A mature Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Border · Naturalized · Slope · Butterfly · Drought tolerant · Native · Pollinator · Rock

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis · Perennial

Beardtongue is a fast-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 3-8, that matures to about 3–5 ft × 1.5–2 ft. It does best in full sun with low water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect purple and white blooms in spring and summer. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and pollinators and stands up well to drought and dry soil.

USDA zones: 3-8
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
Mature size: 3–5 ft × 1.5–2 ft
Growth rate: Fast
Maintenance: Medium
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry
Bloom color: Purple, White
Bloom season: Spring, Summer
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinators, Songbirds, Bees
Tough against: Drought, Dry soil
Native to: Eastern and southeastern United States

Will it survive your winters?

We score Beardtongue’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 3 · Zone 4 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8