1/2-pint plug
Light: Full Sun - Full Shade
Soil: Medium - Medium Wet
Height: 3 Feet
Bloom: June - July
Description: Calico Beardtongue has flaring, bugle-shaped flowers that fan out from sizeable clusters, blooming across a spectrum of delicate mauves and lavenders. This plant will sometimes showcase rich maroon tones, especially at the base of the blossoms. The leaves are a bright, glossy green and are positioned opposite one another. Upright stems maintain fabulous posture in the garden, often accentuating their presence with contrasting, blushing reds. If seasonal fluctuations are “just right,” the foliage and seed pods can change to a fiery scarlet in the fall. Penstemon calycosus is an adaptable plant that will tolerate more shade than many other Penstemon species; it is a great candidate for bright woodlands and dappled shade cottage gardens. It does prefer rich, consistently moist soil, especially if sited in full sun.
Calico Beardtongue produces nectar and entices long-tongued pollinators to come visit, including a wide variety of native bees, bumblebees, mason bees, leaf-cutting bees, and honeybees. Some less common, but memorable, guests include Sphinx Moths and Hummingbirds. This species is considered deer and rabbit resistant.
