Calico Beardtongue
Calico Beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus)
A graceful, long-blooming native with lavender-pink flowers
Calico Beardtongue is a versatile and pollinator-friendly wildflower, known for its tubular, lavender-pink blooms and attractive semi-evergreen foliage. Blooming from late spring to early summer, this adaptable perennial thrives in sun to partial shade, making it perfect for woodland edges, prairie plantings, and pollinator gardens.
✔ Pollinator favorite – Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
✔ Thrives in diverse conditions – Grows well in moist to dry soils
✔ Graceful & long-lasting blooms – Adds soft texture and color to native plantings
✔ Low-maintenance & deer-resistant – tough and easy to grow
Plant Calico Beardtongue in full sun to partial shade to enjoy its elegant flowers, pollinator benefits, and adaptability. A standout choice for native gardens, restoration projects, and naturalized landscapes.
📸 Brian Finzel
Calico Beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus)
A graceful, long-blooming native with lavender-pink flowers
Calico Beardtongue is a versatile and pollinator-friendly wildflower, known for its tubular, lavender-pink blooms and attractive semi-evergreen foliage. Blooming from late spring to early summer, this adaptable perennial thrives in sun to partial shade, making it perfect for woodland edges, prairie plantings, and pollinator gardens.
✔ Pollinator favorite – Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
✔ Thrives in diverse conditions – Grows well in moist to dry soils
✔ Graceful & long-lasting blooms – Adds soft texture and color to native plantings
✔ Low-maintenance & deer-resistant – tough and easy to grow
Plant Calico Beardtongue in full sun to partial shade to enjoy its elegant flowers, pollinator benefits, and adaptability. A standout choice for native gardens, restoration projects, and naturalized landscapes.
📸 Brian Finzel
Plant Specs:
-Botanical Name: Penstemon calycocus
-Common Name: Calico Beardtongue
-Native Range: Eastern and Central North America
-Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall
-Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
-Soil Type: Well-drained, prefers rich, moist soils
-Water Needs: Moderate
-Bloom Time: Late Spring to early summer
-Flower Color: Pale purplish pink
-Wildlife Benefits: Attracts bees, hummingbirds and sphinx moths
-Deer Resistance: Considered deer and rabbit resistant
-Growth Habit: Upright perennial with sturdy flower stalks
