Prairie Dusk - Beardtongue (Penstemon)

Prairie Dusk is a named beardtongue selection with rose-purple flowers above a low mound of foliage. University of Illinois Extension lists it at 2–3 feet tall and describes bloom from June through August. ## Placement Give Prairie Dusk full sun to light shade and moist, well-drained soil. The [Illinois Extension profile](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=740&PlantTypeID=2) lists its cultivar-specific flower color and height, while [Bluebird Nursery’s listing](https://www.bluebirdnursery.com/productlist.asp?alpha=P&id=usnative) identifies it as a University of Nebraska selection, hardy to zone 3, with hummingbird appeal. The plant works well at the front or middle of a sunny perennial border, with its upright flower spikes visible above surrounding foliage. ## Maintenance Drainage is important for long life. Illinois Extension notes that this beardtongue may need winter mulch and periodic division; divide clumps when they become crowded. Remove old stems in spring and avoid leaving the crown in waterlogged soil.