Penstemon hirsutus is a compact fine textured beardtongue that features slender upright stems with tubular lavender to light purple flowers in late spring. The narrow hairy leaves and long blooming period make it an appealing choice for naturalistic plantings and pollinator gardens. Its delicate form blends beautifully with early summer wildflowers and native grasses offering both aesthetic and ecological value.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 12 - 15 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Well drained sandy or rocky soil
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer
Native Status
This species is native to eastern and central North America particularly in dry meadows, open woods, and rocky slopes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Visited by swallowtails and sulphurs seeking nectar from the tubular blooms.
Bees
- Highly attractive to bumblebees, small carpenter bees, and digger bees that access nectar deep within the flower tubes.
Moths
- Some nocturnal moths utilize the flowers for nectar in the early evening, including sphinx moths.
Birds
- Seed heads are occasionally used as foraging perches by small songbirds such as finches and chickadees.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 15 in apart to form tight, upright clusters in garden beds or rocky borders.
Landscape Placement:
- Best used in sunny wildflower meadows, native borders, gravel gardens, and along dry woodland edges.
Companion Plants
- Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coreopsis) - Adds sunny yellow blooms that contrast with Penstemon's cooler tones and thrive in similar conditions.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Brings vertical structure and warm fall color that pairs beautifully with Penstemon’s summer blooms.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Offers long lasting summer flowers and a bold structure that complements Penstemon's finer form.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Provides deep purple flower spikes and supports pollinators throughout the season.
- Monarda punctata (Spotted Beebalm) - A unique mid height companion with whorled blossoms that support bees and butterflies alike.