Plant of the Month: Calico Beardtongue

Submitted by the Bath Gamma Garden Club

Calico Beardtongue, orPenstemon calycosus, is a graceful perennial wildflower that is under-used and well-suited for home gardens. Calico Beardtongue has 1-inch long pink, lavender or white tubular flowers that resemble snapdragons. The flowers attract hummingbirds, honeybees, mason bees, bumblebees and leaf cutting bees. However, the long-tongued bee is the most frequent pollinator. The foliage is semi-glossy with deep green-toothed leaves that form upright clumps, which may turn purple in fall.

Calico Beardtongue prefers moist/well-drained soil and usually occurs in non-wetlands, but has been known to sometimes grow in wetlands. The florets bloom in June and July for about a month, then produce small capsules containing many tiny seeds.

The plant grows 2-3 feet in height and spreads 1-2 feet in width. USDA Zone hardiness is 5-8. Penstemon calycosus will flourish in partly sunny areas but is more shade tolerant than its cousin Penstemon digitalis. It will tolerate clay soil, alkaline PH and heat.

Deadheading to remove dried stalks in the fall will allow the semi evergreen rosettes of the foliage to function as a groundcover in mild winters. Plants are pest resistant and unpalatable to deer and other herbivores.

Calico Beardtongue is at home in a cottage or cut flower garden. Additional landscape uses are wildlife and pollinator gardens, meadows, shade gardens at woodland edges and even rain gardens.

Some companion plants that work well with Penstemon calycosus are Blue Wood Aster, Autumn Moor Grass, Switch Grass, American Coral Bell and Pennsylvania Sedge. ∞

Photo: Penstemon calycosus is typically found in non-wetlands. Photo submitted.