Hairy Beardtongue features loose clusters of tubular, lavender-toned flowers that appear in late spring to early summer and draw in pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It blooms earlier than most other beardtongues and can be recognized by its fuzzy stems. Adaptable to a range of light conditions and tolerating soils from moderately moist to dry, it works well in many residential garden settings.
Mature plants generally reach 1–2 feet in height and have paired, stalkless, narrow leaves with serrated edges. Flower colors vary from soft purples and blues to nearly white. Each elongated bloom has five lobes, including a prominent, hairy lower petal that gives the plant its common name. Since the species is primarily native to eastern North America, Penstemon hirsutus is also known as Northeastern Beardtongue.
Hairy Beardtongue - Penstemon hirsutus (JulieAnn Gardens)
Production Time
4 weeks
Plant Size
Approximate Sizing:
Plugs: 2-3" tall
2.5" Pots: 5-8" tall
3" Pots: 8-10" tall
Gallon: 12-16" tall
Plant Information
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: When surface of soil is dry. Most vegetable plants benefit from not wetting foliage to prevent disease.
Fertilizer: Organic or conventional. Use as directed on the package for leafy greens. Use 1.5x if using an all purpose brand for heavy feeders such as tomatoes and squash.