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Hairy Beardtongue: Penstemon hirsutus

Hairy Beardtongue: Penstemon hirsutus

$6.00Price
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Hairy Beardtongue
Penstemon hirsutus
 
A delicate native perennial with slender stems covered in pale purple, tubular flowers. Hairy Beardtongue is a particularly good choice for dry, well-drained sites where you want a smaller native plant with spring flowers and an attractive, airy form.
 
Its tubular flowers provide an important nectar resource for native bees and other pollinators, while its relatively compact growth habit makes it easy to incorporate into smaller native gardens.
 
Growing Conditions:
  • Sun: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil moisture: Dry to dry–mesic
  • Soil: Well-drained; prefers sandy or rocky soils
  • Height: 1–2 ft
  • Bloom time: Late spring–early summer
  • Flower color: Pale purple to lavender
  • Native range: Northeastern North America
 
Wildlife Value:
  • Provides nectar for native bees and other pollinators
  • Tubular flowers are particularly accessible to larger bees
  • Supports native insect communities
 
Don't Worry If It Doesn't Flower Right Away:
Native perennials don't always flower their first year, and that's completely normal! Young plants often put much of their energy into developing a strong root system and establishing themselves in their new environment. Depending on the species, you may see limited or no flowering during the first growing season, with more substantial flowering beginning in year two and beyond.
 
Watering for Establishment:
For the best results, water your new plants regularly during their first 6 weeks after planting, particularly during periods of hot or dry weather. Once established, many native plants are relatively drought tolerant when planted in an appropriate location for the species.
 
Plant for the future: The first year is about putting down roots. Give your native plants time to establish, and you'll be rewarded with stronger, more resilient plants in the seasons ahead.
 
Garden Use:
Excellent for rock gardens, dry native gardens, sunny borders, meadow edges, and other well-drained areas where you want a smaller flowering perennial.
 
WNS Note:
Penstemon hirsutus is a straight native species, not a cultivar, selected for its ecological value and suitability for dry native gardens.
 
Sourcing:
Seeds were sourced from Common Violets LLC, 8.1 ecoregion.
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