Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis 'Blackbeard')

Overview

Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ offers exceptional ornamental value primarily through its dramatic, dark purple foliage, which provides striking contrast against its upright pink blooms from late spring into early summer. This cultivar of Beardtongue is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for high impact with minimal effort, as it boasts a low maintenance level once established. Its sturdy stems and dense habit make it an excellent architectural plant in mixed borders.

As a Missouri native perennial, this Beardtongue is well-adapted to various conditions, offering reliable performance across USDA zones 3 through 8. Whether used in native plantings or contemporary garden designs, the blooms of Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ are highly attractive to essential pollinators, especially hummingbirds, boosting local biodiversity.

The upright, compact structure of Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ makes it highly versatile. It matures to a respectable height of 2.5 to 3 feet, ensuring it doesn’t get lost in mass plantings yet remains structured enough to be featured prominently in a mixed perennial bed. Enjoying full sun and tolerating drier soil conditions typical of its native prairie origins, this dark-leaved perennial rewards attention with vibrant color and strong structural presence.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2.5-3 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: April to June
• Bloom Description: Pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal performance, plant Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ in average soil that is well-drained. While this Beardtongue cultivar is highly adaptable and can successfully be grown in clay soils, it strictly dislikes overly wet or poorly drained conditions, which can lead to serious root issues. Ensure it receives full sun exposure to maximize both the dark coloration of the foliage and the prolific flowering.

Watering should be approached cautiously; this perennial prefers dry to medium soil moisture. It shows good tolerance for occasional drought once it is fully established in the landscape. Avoid frequent, shallow watering, which can encourage weak growth.

Maintenance for this Penstemon selection is typically low. Pruning generally involves cutting back the faded flower stalks after blooming concludes, though this is often unnecessary if you prefer a tidier look in the following spring. Fertilizing is rarely required; amending the soil sparingly with compost at planting time is usually sufficient to sustain healthy growth.

Landscape Uses

The striking combination of dark foliage and bright pink flowers makes Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ an invaluable component in several landscape roles. It excels when massed in sunny borders, where the upright stems create excellent vertical accents among lower-growing companions. Due to its love for well-drained soil and tolerance for dryness, it is a perfect candidate for native plant gardens seeking drought resistance and ecological benefits.

This variety is also specifically recommended for Rain Gardens, provided the soil drains adequately after heavy rain events, as it tolerates occasional inundation but not constant soggy feet. The tubular pink flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, solidifying its place in any thoughtful pollinator garden design. Consider pairing Beardtongue with silver-leaved plants or yellow-flowering perennials to deepen the high-contrast effect this cultivar creates.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Penstemon digitalis, commonly called foxglove beardtongue or tall white beardtongue, is a clump-forming, Missouri-native perennial which typically grows 3-5’ tall and occurs in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods and along railroad tracks. Features white, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 1.25” long) borne in panicles atop erect, rigid stems. Flowers bloom mid-spring to early summer and are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Basal leaves are elliptic and stem leaves are lance-shaped to oblong.The genus name Penstemon likely comes from the Latin paene meaning “almost” or “nearly” and the Greek stemon meaning “stamen”. The name may also comes from the Greek penta meaning “five” and stemon meaning “stamen”. Both refer to the fifth, sterile stamen (staminode) that characterizes members of this genus.The specific epithet digitalis refers to the genus Digitalis, the members of which are often called foxgloves, and the flowers of which this species is thought to superficially resemble.The common names of this species refer to the appearance of its flowers and growth habit. Penstemons are sometimes commonly called beardtongues because the sterile stamen (staminode) can be hairy. ‘Blackbeard’ is an upright, compact, dark purple-leaved selection of beardtongue that features pink flowers held on sturdy, dark purple stems. The blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Mature plants will reach up to 3’ tall with a 2’ spread. ‘Blackbeard’ was selected as a seedling of Penstemon digitalis ‘Pocahontas’. Plant patent number PP30052 applies to this cultivar.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Clay Soil
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

The primary concern when growing Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ is managing soil moisture. Root rot is a significant risk if the plant is sited in wet, poorly-drained soils, so ensure your chosen location offers necessary drainage, even if the soil is clay-based. Leaf spots can occasionally appear as a minor cosmetic issue. Also, be aware that this variety of Beardtongue can spread somewhat aggressively in ideal garden settings, requiring occasional division to maintain desirable boundaries. Deer, however, generally tend to avoid this attractive perennial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Beardtongue suitable for?

Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 8, making it adaptable to much of the temperate US.

How large does Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ grow?

Mature plants typically reach a height between 2.5 and 3 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet wide.

When does Beardtongue bloom?

This Penstemon variety displays its signature pink flowers from April through June, making it a vital early-to-mid-season bloomer.

What sun exposure does Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ need?

This plant performs best, developing the best color and structure, when positioned in full sun.

Conclusion

Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ is a valuable, low-maintenance herbaceous perennial that brings rich, dark architectural contrast to any sunny garden space. Its tolerance for dry soil and clay makes the striking pink blooms of this Beardtongue accessible to many gardeners. Before planting, confirm your location provides the required full sun and verify that the soil drains effectively to ensure years of successful, striking performance.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions that share the preference for full sun and dry to medium water needs is key to a cohesive planting scheme. Consider pairing this dark-leaved Beardtongue with lighter-colored, silvery foliage plants like Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or Artemisia to amplify its dramatic look. Plants that bloom later in the summer, such as Coneflowers (Echinacea) or Rudbeckia, will ensure continuous color interest once the Penstemon’s bloom cycle concludes.

Wildlife Benefits

The vibrant, tubular pink blossoms of Penstemon digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ are precisely the right shape to attract long-tongued visitors, making it a star attraction for hummingbirds throughout its blooming period. Butterflies and various native bees also readily use these flowers as a nectar source. Incorporating this cultivar into your landscape actively supports local pollinator populations, transforming a simple border into a dynamic wildlife stopover.