Penstemon digitalis
Penstemon digitalis | foxglove beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis is an easy-to-grow, no fuss native plant. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, and is appreciated by gardeners and insects alike for its relatively early flowering period that begins in late spring. And unlike other early-flowering plants, Penstemon digitalis has a relatively long flowering period. Multiple plants can be grouped together for mass effect in a garden bed, or be interspersed among grasses and other forbs in true meadow style. After flowering, the plants’ upright stems support reddish-brown seed capsules that provide interest throughout the fall and winter months. If seed heads are removed, plants still offer winter interest with semi-evergreen basal foliage.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
Penstemon digitalis | foxglove beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis is an easy-to-grow, no fuss native plant. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, and is appreciated by gardeners and insects alike for its relatively early flowering period that begins in late spring. And unlike other early-flowering plants, Penstemon digitalis has a relatively long flowering period. Multiple plants can be grouped together for mass effect in a garden bed, or be interspersed among grasses and other forbs in true meadow style. After flowering, the plants’ upright stems support reddish-brown seed capsules that provide interest throughout the fall and winter months. If seed heads are removed, plants still offer winter interest with semi-evergreen basal foliage.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
Penstemon digitalis | foxglove beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis is an easy-to-grow, no fuss native plant. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, and is appreciated by gardeners and insects alike for its relatively early flowering period that begins in late spring. And unlike other early-flowering plants, Penstemon digitalis has a relatively long flowering period. Multiple plants can be grouped together for mass effect in a garden bed, or be interspersed among grasses and other forbs in true meadow style. After flowering, the plants’ upright stems support reddish-brown seed capsules that provide interest throughout the fall and winter months. If seed heads are removed, plants still offer winter interest with semi-evergreen basal foliage.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
HABIT
Height: 2-3’
Bloom Time: late spring, early summer
SITE CONDITIONS
Light: full sun, part shade
Soil: medium-wet, average, medium-dry
CULTIVATION TIPS
Establishment: easy, will reseed readily on bare soil
Deer Resistance: moderate
INTERACTIONS
Pollinator Support: high
CONSERVATION
Native Range: local ecotype
Seed Origin: Dutchess County, NY / Fairfield County, CT