Penstemon grandiflorus.
Large-flowered Beardtongue, also known as Showy Beardtongue, is a perennial wildflower native to the midwestern and south central United States.
Plant grows to about 2 to 4 feet in height with blue-green stems and leaves and produces large, tubular, pink to lavender flowers that bloom for several weeks in May or June.
Endangered in some states and rare to see in the wild.
Attracts bumblebees, birds, and other pollinators, and is the host plant for the Chalcedon Checkerspot Butterfly and Edith's Checkerspot Butterfly.
Typically blooms in the second year.
Large Flowered Beardtongue
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Sandy, loamy, dry Sow Depth: 1/8 inch Plant Spacing: 8 to 12 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 30 days Bloom Time: May through June Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by planting seeds just below the soil's surface. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days (cold stratification) before planting.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.