Penstemon Blackbeard Beardtongue
Best vibrant perennial for adding striking color to garden beds.
Penstemon Blackbeard Beardtongue, commonly known as Beardtongue, is a striking perennial that brings a touch of the exotic to any garden. Its deep eggplant foliage provides a dramatic backdrop for the beautiful lilac flowers that bloom from late spring into early summer. This cultivar is known for its strictly upright growth habit, ensuring a tidy appearance throughout the season. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making it an easy-care addition to perennial and cottage gardens. Attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, it offers extended seasonal interest with attractive dark burgundy seed pods following the blooms.
$15.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2378
/ 4677
#2378 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Botanical Name
Penstemon Blackbeard
/ Penstemon Blackbeard
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic color and unique plant textures
- Eco-conscious gardeners wanting to support local wildlife
- Busy homeowners desiring beautiful, resilient plants with minimal upkeep
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with poorly draining or heavy clay soil
- Homeowners with predominantly shady garden spots
- Gardeners expecting very long-lived, permanent garden fixtures
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep eggplant foliage creates a dramatic, high-contrast focal point.
Maintenance Ease
Upright growth habit keeps the garden looking tidy with minimal effort.
Pollinator Attraction
Reliably draws hummingbirds and butterflies to your outdoor space.
Environmental Resilience
Handles heat, humidity, and drought with impressive, established durability.
Seasonal Longevity
Dark burgundy seed pods extend interest well beyond the blooming phase.
Climate Versatility
Hardy across a wide range of zones from three to eight.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Penstemon Blackbeard
Common Name
Beardtongue
Bloom Color
Lilac
Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
Foliage Color
Black, Purple
Light Requirements
Sun, Part Shade
Height
28-34 inches
Width
18-24 inches
Features
- Striking deep eggplant foliage and lilac flowers
- Upright growth habit for a tidy appearance
- Tolerates heat, humidity, and cold
- Drought tolerant and easy to grow
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- Provides extended seasonal interest with seed pods
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with the exceptional quality of these plants. Many reviews highlight their robust health and vigorous growth upon arrival, quickly establishing themselves in gardens. The striking dark foliage and vibrant purple blooms are frequently praised for their beauty and consistent performance, adding significant aesthetic value. Gardeners appreciate the plant's hardiness and ability to thrive, making it a rewarding addition that offers excellent value for its price.
Know before you buy
Since this plant reaches a width of 18 to 24 inches, you should space them at least 20 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and to prevent overcrowding as they mature.
Once established, Penstemon Blackbeard is quite drought-tolerant and prefers average to low water. You will only need to provide supplemental water during extended dry spells or extreme heat.
This cultivar is noted for its deer resistance, making it a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a common concern.
Yes, this variety is adaptable to various soil types, including clay. Just ensure the planting site has decent drainage, as Penstemon generally dislikes sitting in waterlogged soil.
You can leave the dark burgundy seed pods on the plant, as they provide extended seasonal interest and can attract birds. If you prefer a tidier look, you can trim the spent flower stalks back to the base of the plant.
While it is primarily used for garden beds and borders, it can thrive in a large container with good drainage. Ensure the pot is deep enough to accommodate its 28-34 inch height and provide consistent moisture during the first season.
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