Foxglove Beardtongue is a beautiful, upright, spring-blooming flower that is generally very easy to grow. It will spread readily if allowed to go to seed (which is great for weed suppression) and tolerates heat and high humidity–a perfect choice for Southeastern gardens!

Care requirements:

Light requirements: Full sun

Water requirements: Low-Medium

Soil requirements: Dry-Medium

Bloom time: May-June

Bloom color: White

Height: 3-5 feet

Width: 1.5-2 feet

USDA Zone: 3-8

Other notes: Foxglove Beardtongue needs well-drained soils but is also tolerant of some drought and mild inundation once established. It can also be grown in clay soils as long the soil is not poorly-drained. Especially during mild winters, Foxglove Beardtongue can retain its foliage year round. It does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade as long as it is dry. This plant is especially attractive to bees and the white flowers can sometimes be tinged with purple. A common cultivar available in the nursery trade is “Husker Red,” however I would avoid it since that cultivar changes the foliage color, and the true species is widely available.

Emily’s notes: I have Penstemon digitalis growing in my yard in an area that receives full afternoon sun. I have plants growing in sandy loam and in mostly sand and both are doing well. The only pest problems I have had so far have been black aphids, which were easily treated using diluted soapy water. The damage from the aphids was purely cosmetic and the plants quickly recovered. All of my plants also retained their foliage throughout winter.

Do you have Penstemon digitalis growing in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it you would like to share? Do you know of any Southeastern nurseries that regularly stock it? Let us know in the comments!