Photo of Penstemon digitalis flower by Kurt Stueber

Photo by Kurt Stueber

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Penstemon digitalis

Also Known As

  • Beardtongue

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 3a-8b

More Options

Penstemon digitalis plant details

Penstemon digitalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with purple foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon digitalis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: deciduous purple
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon digitalis

USDA Zones: 3a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Found in open woods, meadows and prairies of the E. U. S., this wildflower produces pretty white-tinted-purple tubular flowers in clusters on 3-4' stems mid-summer; nice in a wild garden or for the back-of-the-border. S/M
Smooth Penstemon ( Penstemon digitalis) is one of the few Penstemons that thrives in clay! The pure white flowers bloom for a month or longer, and look great with the blue flowers of Ohio and Western Spiderworts. Grows in full sun to light shade, and tolerates seasonally damp conditions. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8.
A clumping evergreen or deciduous perennial. Dense clumps of smooth tongue-like leaves. During Summer slender stems of pale mauve-white foxglove-like flowers are produced.Feed well and remove old flower stalks as necessary to promote flowering.Totally different to the erect Penstemons, except for the flowers.

By: Zephs

Gardening facts about Penstemon digitalis plant

How to Grow Penstemon digitalis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • purple
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Penstemon for your garden

aka Penstemon ambiguus subsp. laevissimus, Pink Plains Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 9"-12"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun
  • occasional
Photo of Penstemon ambiguus var. laevissimus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Pinto Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon bicolor close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Pinto Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon bicolor subsp. roseus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Firecracker Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 8"-14"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon eatonii flower, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka Lilac Beardstongue, Lilac Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-24"

Width: 8"-24"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Penstemon gracilis close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant
+227 more Penstemon
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