Penstemon 'Blackbird'

Also Known As

Blackbird Autumn Beard Tongue

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 2'-4'
W: 1'-3'

planting zones

7b-10b

More Options

Penstemon 'Blackbird' plant details

Penstemon 'Blackbird' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon 'Blackbird'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, floriferous, long-blooming, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon 'Blackbird'

USDA Zones: 7b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

DEEP, RICH burgundy tubular flowers on 3' stems, summer to first frost, combined with foliage on striking reddish stems make this a Penstemon not to miss. S/M-D/GDr (mulch only with gravel)

By: Forestfarm

Upright stems form a 3’ mound topped with narrow tubular flowers of rich burgundy all summer and fall filled with hummer nectar! Easy to grow and fast in well drained soils sited in full sun. Also a good performer in containers. A ‘Great Plant Picks’ selection for the Pacific Northwest (must be hummingbirds on the selection committee). USDA Z7 4” pot

By: Secret Garden Growers

A vigorous sprawling perennial carrying rich, velvety, deep purple foxglove flowers. Deep green lance shaped leaves are symmetrically arranged on long stems. Give space to root into the ground. Flowers throughout the warmer months. Try not to disturb the roots. One of the darkest Penstemons yet available.

By: Zephs

Tall and erect, but with an open habit and fairly rigid stems to 4'; the thin branches sway in the wind giving the plant a willow-like appearance. A particularly floriferous selection with long, large-lobed flowers opening from darkest buds, under ideal conditions one panicle may carry up to 70 blossoms. Flower color is a dark purplish-red with a silvery-white interior marked by purplish-red streaks, and even the foliage has a slight hint of burgundy at the tips. Among the broad-leafed hybrids, it is hardier than most.