Penstemon calycosus (Calico Beardtongue) Unity Grown

Penstemon calycosus, also called calico beardtongue or long-sepal beardtongue, is a small to medium-sized upright wildflower found in small clumps through woodland and meadow areas throughout much of the eastern half of the United States. Relatively compact and growing to only 1-3' tall and wide, but also highly versatile and adaptable, calico beardtongue is known for its flared, trumpet-like flowers in shades of white and pale pink to lavender and darker purple. These early summer blooms are highly attractive to a variety of native pollinators, including bees and butterflies, but are also attractive to gardeners, as strong, upright stems hold flowers well and serve well in cut arrangements.

In the later summer and fall, their ornamental appeal doesn't fade, as leaves and seed pods begin to take on red and scarlet hues, adding flair to the cooler weather garden. Among beardtongues, Penstemon calycosus is one of the most shade-tolerant selections, and with their rabbit and deer tolerance, they will perform wonderfully in dappled woodland gardens, forest border areas, in and around foundation beds, and even in full sun meadows and pollinator gardens, so long as they are provided with average, well-draining soils and consistent moisture.