Gray Beardtongue
Penstemon canescens
Silvery gray-green foliage and lavender-pink spikes that hummingbirds and bumblebees probe relentlessly. Thrives on rocky slopes, takes clay.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
Appalachian beardtongue adapted to our regional conditions. fuzzy silver foliage, hummingbird blooms, no fuss.
Gray beardtongue is an Appalachian native that thrives on the rocky, well-drained slopes and ridgelines where few perennials compete. The common name comes from the soft gray-green fuzz coating the foliage and stems, a silvery texture that reads beautifully against dark soil or stone. In late spring and early summer, two-foot spikes carry lavender-pink tubular flowers that hummingbirds and bumblebees probe relentlessly. This is one of the Penstemons that tolerates the heavy clay and humidity of the mid-Atlantic and upper South better than many western species. It establishes reliably, forms tidy clumps, and rarely needs staking. The basal rosette persists as semi-evergreen through mild winters, giving the planting year-round structure.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown gray beardtongue propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Dry
- Mature size
- 1.5–3 ft · 12–18 in wide
- Bloom time
- May–July
- USDA zones
- 5–8
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native range
- Appalachian region from Pennsylvania south to Georgia and Alabama, into the Cumberland Plateau
Care notes for gray beardtongue.
Full sun to light shade in dry to average, well-drained soil. Excellent drainage is the key requirement. Penstemon canescens resents wet feet more than drought. Shear flower stalks after bloom to keep plants tidy. Division is rarely needed but can rejuvenate older clumps.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside gray beardtongue.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Skyline Drive Package
This package celebrates the world renowned “Skyline Drive” by featuring native plant species encountered along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
Piedmont Rain Garden Package
For homeowners with a yard that floods when it rains, this package is your solution! The Piedmont Swale Garden Package is comprised of flood tolerant species that will thrive in wet soils.
Exceptional Patio Garden Package
The Exceptional Patio Garden Package is a low maintenance, fool proof way to guarantee an endless color show for you and your guests to enjoy all patio season long.