Beardtongue (Penstemon)

Beardtongue (Penstemon) names a large genus of North American flowering plants rather than one uniform garden form. The genus includes herbaceous perennials and some subshrubs, with tubular flowers that vary in color and mature size. ## Placement Choose a site according to the species or selection: many penstemons do well in sun and well-drained soil, while moisture, shade, and hardiness needs vary across the genus. North Carolina State Extension describes forms ranging from tiny mats to plants several feet tall, so choose a species or cultivar suited to the available space. Flowering often comes in spring or early summer, with some hybrids reblooming later. Their nectar-rich flowers support bees and other pollinators; spent seed heads can also feed birds. See [North Carolina State Extension’s genus profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/penstemon/common-name/bearded-tongue/) and [Colorado State Extension’s growing guide](https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/growing-penstemons/) for variation and regional cultivation advice. ## Maintenance Provide good drainage and avoid treating the genus as one irrigation schedule. Match watering, winter protection, and pruning to the selected species and your local climate; cut back old stems when new growth begins if a tidy spring appearance is desired.