Description
Sturdy pale pink to pale purple tubular flowers are visited by many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, Sphinx moths, and Hummingbirds. Unlike other penstemons, this one tolerates more moisture than others and more shade so it is a great addition to both sunny and part shade rain gardens. Easy to grow, Calico Beardtongue is one of the host plants of the Chalcedon Checkerspot and Edith's Checkerspot butterflies and favored by the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. It is rarely eaten by rabbits, and may spread by seed.
Soil Type: Clay/Loam/Sand
Soil Conditions: Average-MediumDry
Flower Color: Pale pink to pale lilac
Flower Time: June-July
Height: 1-3'
Light: Tolerates All
Features: Hummingbirds and other Birds, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Pollinators, Larval Host
Credits: Info & Photo courtesy of Julia Bunn