Penstemon 'Blackbeard' beardtongue from North Creek Nurseries

Penstemon 'Blackbeard'

Common: beardtongue — PPAF

The name of this hardy perennial is a play on words from the common name for Penstemon, beardtongue. The dark feature referenced on this plant is its incredible foliage. Dark purple flower stems hold its lilac-purple flowers with their white flaring tubes high above the low mound of deep eggplant purple leaves. Attractive dark burgundy seed pods follow the flowering performance for extended seasonal interest. ‘Blackbeard’ stays strictly upright all season long with no lodging.

Like all of our Penstemons, this one takes the heat and humidity in stride but is also very cold hardy.  It continues to provide terrific color in the landscape all season long. -Walters Gardens

Penstemon 'Blackbeard' PPAF - 50 per flat

  • Height: 28"-34"
  • Spread: 24"
  • Spacing: 12"-24"
  • Hardiness Zone(s): 3-8

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Plant Details

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! Named after the infamous English pirate Blackbeard, Penstemon 'Blackbeard' has the darkest of eggplant foliage with bright lilac-purple flowers rising high above and standing tall. With a long season of interest and a magnet for hummingbirds and bees, this Walters Gardens introduction is sure to cause a delightful cry of 'Shiver me timbers!' 


Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure

  • Full Sun

Soil Moisture Needs

  • Average

Green Infrastructure

  • Green Roof

Wetland Indicator Status

  • Falcutative (FAC)

Plug Type

  • Horticultural Plug

For Animals

  • Songbird-friendly
  • Pollinator-friendly
  • Hummingbird-friendly

Attributes

  • Drought Tolerant
  • Clay Tolerance
  • Native to North America
  • Ornamental Foliage
  • Cut Flower

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Late Spring / Early Summer
  • Summer

Propagation Type

  • Vegetative

Care & Maintenance

Penstemons should be grown in full sun and very well-drained soil to avoid root rot. Soil fertility need only be average, but a light mulch in winter is recommended. Use Penstemons in the border, for naturalizing, and for cut flowers.