Penstemon platyphyllus

broadleaf beardtongue

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Taxonomy

Common Names

broadleaf beardtongue

Context

nativeRegion

Endemic to the western United States, particularly California and Nevada.

usdaZones

6-9

companionPlants

Eriogonum spp., Achillea millefolium, Artemisia tridentata

culturalUses

Valued in native plant gardens, xeriscapes, and pollinator gardens; attracts bees and hummingbirds.

Care

LightPrefers full sun to partial shade.

WateringModerate; drought-tolerant once established. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

SoilWell-drained, sandy or rocky soils; avoid heavy clay.

FertilizerRarely needed; a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring if soil is poor.

HumidityLow to moderate; tolerates dry air well.

TemperatureHardy; tolerates temperatures down to USDA Zone 6, prefers mild summers and cool winters.

HabitPerennial herb with upright, leafy stems.

Mature SizeTypically 30-60 cm (1-2 ft) tall and 20-40 cm (8-16 in) wide.

Growth RateModerate growth rate.

BloomingLate spring to early summer; violet-blue tubular flowers.

DormancyDormant in winter; regrowth starts in early spring.

MethodsSeed, Division, Stem cuttings

DifficultyModerate; seeds require cold stratification.

Best SeasonLate fall to early spring for seeds; early spring for division.

PruningRemove spent flower spikes to promote further blooming; cut back dead foliage in late fall.

RepottingSeldom necessary; prefers to be undisturbed once established in the ground.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally pest and disease resistant; occasional leaf spot or powdery mildew.

ToxicityNot known to be toxic to humans or pets.

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