Beardtongue is a great native plant in pollinator gardens or naturalized wildlife areas. Pristine Lilac Purple Beardtongue is a vigorous growing variety with deep lilac-colored flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to like a magnet. The dark green foliage and tall, sturdy flower spikes add interest to a mixed perennial border. No need to stake this beardtongue, otherwise known as Penstemon barbatus.
Beardtongue makes an excellent fresh-cut flower and keeps its color well if dried for winter arrangements. The smaller size of Pristine Lilac Purple makes it suitable for containers of mixed seasonal plants. Plant it as the thriller, with Silver Edged Thyme as a filler and Golden Creeping Jenny for the spiller element–absolutely stunning! This vigorous grower will quickly fill an area in the garden, suppressing weeds in its path. Deer rarely browse on the flowers or foliage, and slugs and snails are not a problem.
Pristine Lilac Purple Beardtongue Care
Plant Penstemon in well-draining soil and in full sun. Soil pH is not an issue, and most soil textures are acceptable to these easy-going plants. Ensure the plant receives about a half inch of natural rain or supplemental irrigation a week. Fertilize with a balanced, granular feed early in the spring. Apply the feed to the root zone and lightly scratch it into the soil. Mulch with 2-3 inches of shredded leaves or compost over the root zone. The mulch helps the soil retain moisture longer and keeps the roots cool in summer and warm in the winter.
Beardtongue can be deadheaded regularly to extend the blooming period. Removing spent flowers will also reduce the amount of self-seeding this plant will do. Divide plant clumps every 3-4 years to keep the rootstock vigorous, and multiply your supply of plants. Cut back the previous season’s top growth in the early spring. Allowing seed heads to remain over the winter provides food for non-migrating birds and other wildlife.
Pristine Lilac Purple Beardtongue Spacing
Pristine Lilac Purple is on the smaller side of most Beardtongue varieties, with a mature height of 15-20 inches and a spread of 10-15 inches. Space the plants about 12 inches apart when planting multiples.
Pristine Lilac Purple Beardtongue Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9
Plant Type: Perennials
Light Exposure: Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sunlight)
