Bountiful Gardens

The Prairie Scepter: Vertical Grace with Penstemon digitalis

The Snapshot

• Common Name: Foxglove Beardtongue, Smooth White Beardtongue

• Scientific Name: Penstemon digitalis

• Origin: Native to Eastern and Central North America

• Hardiness: Zones 3 – 8

• The "Vibe": Stately, reliable, and sophisticated; the "white tie" attire of the early summer garden.

Why We Love It

Penstemon digitalis is named for its resemblance to Digitalis (Foxglove), but it is much easier to grow. It forms a tidy basal rosette of semi-evergreen, leathery leaves that often take on a burgundy tint in winter. In late spring and early summer, it sends up sturdy, upright stems topped with airy panicles of white, bell-shaped flowers. If you look closely inside the "throat" of the flower, you'll see delicate purple nectar guide lines—nature's way of saying "Land here for a snack!"

Ecosystem & Wildlife Impact

• The "Beardtongue" Secret: The name comes from the sterile fifth stamen that is covered in tiny hairs, resembling a fuzzy tongue. This acts as a "treadmill" for bees to grip onto while they reach for nectar.

• Bumblebee Favorite: Watching a chunky bumblebee disappear entirely into the flower bell is one of the great joys of June gardening.

• Hummingbird Stopover: It is an essential early-season fuel source for hummingbirds.

• Specialist Pollinator: It is the primary host plant for the Chalcedony Midget Moth and supports several specialized native bees.

Designer Tips: Where to Plant

• The "See-Through" Plant: Because the flower spikes are airy and delicate, you can plant Penstemon in the middle of a border without blocking the view of plants behind it.

• The Dark & Light Contrast: If you choose a burgundy-leafed cultivar like 'Husker Red', pair it with the chartreuse foliage of Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla) for a high-fashion look.

• Rain Garden Star: Its ability to handle "wet feet" occasionally but also endure dry spells makes it a perfect candidate for the middle zone of a rain garden.

Designer Pro-Tip: Don't deadhead all of the flower stalks! The dried seed pods turn a beautiful chocolate brown and stay upright all winter long. They provide excellent architectural interest against the snow and give small songbirds something to peck at during the lean months.

Stories from the Garden

"I have heavy clay soil that kills almost everything that's supposed to be 'drought tolerant.' I planted 'Husker Red' five years ago, and it has never looked back. The purple leaves look great all spring, and when the white flowers bloom, it looks like a cloud is floating over my garden."

— Tamara L., Zone 6 Gardener

A Growing Story: The Bee-Flight Show

A customer once told us she spent an entire Saturday morning sitting in a lawn chair by her Penstemon. She said the "traffic" of bees was so constant and rhythmic that it was better than meditation. She loved how the bees would "wiggle" their way out of the bells, dusted in white pollen.