One of the earlier-blooming native penstemons, eastern white beardtongue produces elegant tubular flowers in soft white with faint purple interior markings on slender, softly hairy stems.
Native range: Eastern and central United States, Maine to Minnesota south to Georgia and Kansas
Size: 18–30 inches tall, 12–18 inches wide; clump-forming
Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade; dry to average soill; tolerates sandy, rocky, or lean soils; drought tolerant
Bloom period: May–June
Wildlife value: Favorite of long-tongued native bees; also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; seeds eaten by birds
Garden benefits: Elegant early-season interest; thrives where other plants struggle; deer resistant; excellent for rock gardens, sunny borders, open woodland edges, and dry meadow plantings; low maintenance
One of the earlier-blooming native penstemons, eastern white beardtongue produces elegant tubular flowers in soft white with faint purple interior markings on slender, softly hairy stems.
Native range: Eastern and central United States, Maine to Minnesota south to Georgia and Kansas
Size: 18–30 inches tall, 12–18 inches wide; clump-forming
Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade; dry to average soill; tolerates sandy, rocky, or lean soils; drought tolerant
Bloom period: May–June
Wildlife value: Favorite of long-tongued native bees; also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; seeds eaten by birds
Garden benefits: Elegant early-season interest; thrives where other plants struggle; deer resistant; excellent for rock gardens, sunny borders, open woodland edges, and dry meadow plantings; low maintenance