100 Slender Beardtongue Seeds – Penstemon gracilis Perennial for Pollinator & Prairie Gardens

Slender Beardtongue (Penstemon gracilis) is a charming perennial wildflower native to the prairies and open woodlands of North America. It forms neat clumps of narrow, lance-shaped green leaves and sends up slender stems topped with tubular, lavender to pale purple flowers in late spring and early summer. These nectar-rich blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making this plant an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, prairie restorations, and naturalized meadow plantings.

Its compact size and delicate appearance make it a lovely addition to rock gardens, border fronts, and container plantings. Slender Beardtongue is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in well-drained soils, bringing effortless beauty and ecological value to sunny garden spots.

Plant Features

• Produces slender spikes of tubular, lavender to purple flowers
• Attracts pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established
• Ideal for prairie gardens, rock gardens, and naturalized areas
• Perennial growth habit returns year after year

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Penstemon gracilis
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
• Water Requirements: Low to moderate; 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 Slender 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 the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until seedlings emerge. Once seedlings have several true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system, then reduce watering as plants become drought-tolerant. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued bloom and maintain a tidy appearance.

What's Included

100 Slender Beardtongue (Penstemon gracilis) seeds.