About Penstemon

A perennial sometimes called Beardtongue, Penstemon plants will reward you with brilliant non-stop blooms with deep bronze-green foliage. These flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies into the garden and offer a variety of colors such as scarlet, pink, blue, purple, orange, yellow, and white.

When to Plant Penstemon Seeds

Sow seeds indoors in starter trays or small pots in late winter. After the danger of frost has passed, harden off the seedlings and transplant them into your garden.

Where to Plant Penstemon Seeds

Penstemon thrives in full sun or partial shade in fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. These plants are drought tolerant once established and are perfect for beds, borders, rock gardens, and cut flowers!

How to Plant Penstemon Seeds

Penstemon seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.

Press flower seeds into soil, but do not cover. Keep seeds moist until germination, or 14-30 days.

How to Care for Penstemon

Penstemons needs very little water and barely any fertilizer. Fertilize when planting only. Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigor and cut back to the base in early spring. Penstemon is generally disease free, but keep an eye out for slugs, snails, spider mites and eelworms.