May Perennial of the Month-Foxglove Beardtongue

“Elegant” is seldom a word you hear used to describe a native prairie plant. When it comes to Penstemon digitalis, commonly called foxglove beardtongue, I don’t think there is a more elegant perennial coming from such humble origins. Penstemon can look just as beautiful and quite at home, thank you, in a native prairie, a formal parterre, or an ornamental flower border. The upright panicles are showy and fare much better in Midwest and Southern gardens than the much-coveted Delphiniums that grace northern gardens.

Growing 3-5’ high, it prefers full sun, although it seems to tolerate some light shade and still bloom in mid-to-late spring. What it does not like is wet feet. Although recommended for rain garden use, continual wet or moist soils without good drainage will lead to root rot and decline.

Beardtongue makes a great cut flower for late-spring arrangements. Cultivars are available; the most common is ‘Husker Red,’ with deep burgundy foliage that looks stunning in the garden or in a vase, providing an accent color long after the white flowers fade.

Foxglove beardtongue was the “Belle of the Ball” at this year’s Native Plant Tour. Check it out here;

Highlights from the St. Louis Native Plant Tour –

What I love about this plant;

-It’s native!

-Great pollinator plant.

-Showy, panicle blooms.

-Few pests or diseases.

-Low maintenance.

-Drought-resistant once established.

-Deer resistant.

-Good cut flower.

What’s not so great;

-Root rot can occur in moist soils or poorly drained soils. This is a native prairie plant. So keep that in mind when choosing placement.

-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2026, All rights reserved.