White Wand Penstemon, Tube Flowered Penstemon, Prairie Penstemon, Beardtongue

Description

Large dense paniclesof 1" long, pure white, foxglove-like flowers are held atop upright to arching, 24-36" highstems and are produced beginning in mid to late spring and may continue well into summer attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This wildflower's popularity for bouquets has made it nearly endangered in some areas. White Wand Penstemon, Penstemon tubaeflorus var. tubaeflorus, is a rosette forming, herbaceous, native perennial whose rich green foliage often exhibits deep maroon tinges, edges, or the entirerosette may be maroon during portions of the year. The small black seeds may be utilized by smaller songbirds and small mammals. Provide a full sun to partly shadedsite in well-drained, average moist to dryish, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. White Wand Penstemon is a component of the Tall Grass Prairies and makes an easy addition to naturalistic settings like roadsides, meadows, and prairies as well as in the perennial garden or landscape.

Mature, 3-4 year old, clumps of Penstemon may benefit from periodic division in late winter or early spring but it generally is not required unless they become overcrowded.