Calico Beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus)

Looking for a plant that will help you celebrate spring in style? Beardtongue might just be the plant for you. Elegant flowers adorn the stalks from April to June. Pairs well with Liatris, Monarda, and Rudbeckia.

Calico Penstemon is unique amongst penstemons in that it is more shade tolerant than most, though the fiery red fall color is more likely to be seen in sunnier conditions. During the growing season, bright green leaves are punctuated by slender red stems. In its native range, Calico Penstemon is often found in moist open woods and meadows, alkaline outcroppings, and along stream banks and roadsides. 

Flowers attract bumblebees, leaf-cutter bees, and other pollinators, including a pollen specialist bee Osmia distincta; larval host for 10 different species of butterflies and moths in our area

Attracts: 🐛 🐝 🐦 
Light: full sun to part shade
Soil: medium to wet, well-drained
Mature Size: 1’-3’ tall, 1’-2’ spread