Beardtongue, Showy

Showy Beardtongue (Penstemon cobaea)

Showy Beardtongue lives up to its name with striking, tubular blossoms in shades of lavender, pink, and purple that appear in late spring. This native perennial is beloved by hummingbirds and large native bees, offering essential early-season nectar when few other plants are blooming. Its bold floral display and tolerance for dry, rocky soils make it a perfect fit for xeriscapes, native pollinator gardens, and prairie restorations.

Key Characteristics

• Early Nectar Source for Hummingbirds and Bees
  Blooms in late spring to early summer, providing critical nectar for ruby-throated hummingbirds and large-bodied native bees, including bumblebees and carpenter bees, just as they emerge from dormancy.

• Adapted to Dry, Rocky Soils
  Naturally occurring in limestone glades and rocky prairies, Showy Beardtongue thrives in well-drained, low-fertility soils and is highly drought-tolerant once established.

• Striking Floral Display and Form
  Its large, bell-shaped flowers and tall upright stems make it a dramatic addition to dry borders, pollinator strips, and wildflower gardens. It pairs beautifully with prairie grasses and early blooming companions like prairie smoke and coreopsis.

• Ecological Role in Prairie and Open Woodland Systems
  Functions as an early-succession species in open habitats, helping stabilize soil and initiate plant community development. Its tough taproot makes it a good candidate for erosion-prone slopes and restoration work.

• Short-Lived but Self-Seeding Perennial
  Though it may be short-lived (3–5 years), it readily self-seeds in suitable conditions, ensuring its presence in naturalistic plantings over time without becoming aggressive.

Product Details

• Native range: Central and southern U.S., especially the Ozark and Edwards Plateaus

• Plant life cycle: Perennial (short-lived, 3–5 years)

• Sun requirements: Full sun

• Soil requirements: Dry to medium-dry, well-drained; tolerant of rocky, calcareous soils

• Mature height: 1.5–2.5 feet

• Bloom time: May to June

• Bloom color: Lavender to pink

• USDA Hardiness zones: 4–8

Showy Beardtongue is a bold and beautiful choice for early color and pollinator support in xeric gardens, native wildflower meadows, and prairie-inspired landscapes. Plant in well-drained soil and let it naturalize to enjoy its benefits year after year.