100 Hairy Beardtongue Seeds – Penstemon hirsutus Perennial for Pollinator Gardens

Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is a charming native perennial prized for its tubular, lavender to purple flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this compact plant adds a delicate touch to pollinator gardens, meadow plantings, and naturalized areas. Its hairy stems and lance-shaped leaves give it a unique texture, and it thrives in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade.

This hardy perennial is a wonderful choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems while enjoying long-lasting color. It works beautifully in border fronts, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows, and it naturalizes readily when conditions are right.

Plant Features

• Produces tubular lavender to purple flowers that attract pollinators
• Blooms in late spring to early summer
• Compact growth habit suitable for borders and small spaces
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Native to parts of North America

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Penstemon hirsutus
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
• Water Requirements: Low to medium; drought-tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
• Mature Height: 12-24 inches
• Spacing: 12-18 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow Hairy Beardtongue seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors in fall after the first frost. Lightly press seeds into the soil surface; do not cover deeply, as light aids germination. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow and uneven; stratification (cold treatment) improves results. Once seedlings have several true leaves, transplant to individual pots or garden beds after hardening off.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. Once established, Hairy Beardtongue is relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom and prevent self-seeding if desired. In late fall, cut back foliage to promote healthy spring growth.

What's Included

100 Hairy Beardtongue seeds (Penstemon hirsutus).