100 Penstemon Calycosus Seeds – Calico Beardtongue Heirloom Non-GMO Native Wildflower for Home Garden
Penstemon calycosus, commonly known as Calico Beardtongue, is a charming native wildflower that brings a relaxed, natural beauty to home gardens and meadow plantings. This heirloom, non-GMO variety produces slender spikes of tubular flowers in soft shades of lavender, pink, and white, often with subtle veining that gives the blooms a calico-like appearance. The flowers rise above tidy clumps of green foliage and are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making this penstemon a wonderful choice for pollinator gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Calico Beardtongue is a versatile perennial that fits beautifully into cottage gardens, native plant beds, and informal borders. Its upright habit and long bloom season add vertical interest, while its tolerance for a range of growing conditions makes it a rewarding choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Whether planted en masse or mixed with other wildflowers, Penstemon calycosus offers dependable color and ecological value year after year.
Plant Features
- Native wildflower with tubular blooms in lavender, pink, and white
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Heirloom, non-GMO seeds for sustainable gardening
- Upright, clump-forming perennial habit
- Excellent for meadow, cottage, and pollinator gardens
Growing Information
- Botanical Name: Penstemon calycosus
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, average to sandy soil
- Water Requirements: Medium; drought tolerant once established
- Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
- Bloom Season: Late spring to midsummer
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Mature Height: 24-36 inches
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
Planting & Care
To grow Calico Beardtongue from seeds, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Lightly press seeds into the soil surface without covering them deeply, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature around 65-70°F. Germination typically occurs in 14-30 days. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, transplant them outdoors after hardening off.
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help plants establish a strong root system. Once established, Penstemon calycosus is relatively low-maintenance and drought tolerant. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor. In colder zones, apply a light mulch in late fall to protect the crown.
What's Included
You will receive 100 Penstemon calycosus seeds (Calico Beardtongue), an heirloom, non-GMO native wildflower variety for home garden planting.