Beardtongue, Hairy (Penstemon hirsutus) Flower Seeds
Purple Hairy Beardtongue, or Penstemon hirsutus, is a flowering perennial known for its tubular lavender to violet flowers that bloom from late May to July. It thrives in various soil types and light conditions, making it a great choice for gardens that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
Purple Hairy Beardtongue, scientifically known as Penstemon hirsutus, is a compact, herbaceous perennial native to eastern Canada and the United States. It features erect, hairy stems and clusters of tubular flowers that bloom from late May to July. The flowers range in color from lavender to violet, often with white tips.
Common Names: Dwarf Hairy Penstemon
Latin Name: Penstemon hirsutus
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast
Seeds per Ounce: 50,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Height: 24 Inches
Color: Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
Sowing: In late fall, directly sow the seeds by pressing them into the soil surface, as these hairy beardtongue seeds require light for germination. If you're planting in spring, combine the Penstemon Hirsutus seeds with some moist sand and keep them in the fridge for 30-60 days before planting. Make sure to keep the soil lightly moist until they germinate. You can also start these seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the spring planting.
Growing: Water the Penstemon Hirsutus seedlings until they’re well established. Once mature, these plants can handle drought thanks to their strong tap root, but they also do well in moist soil. They thrive in rocky or sandy conditions and are quite resistant to diseases and pests. After they bloom, trim the plant back to a few inches above the soil unless you want to collect seeds. This plant tends to self-sow and is very appealing to bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Harvesting: When cutting flowers, select stems with flowers that have just opened. Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water and place the stems in water right away.
Seed Saving: Once the flowers fade, small pods will develop that eventually open at the top to show the ripe Penstemon Hirsutus seeds. Collect the seeds as soon as the pods start to open; keep an eye on them to avoid losing any, as the wind can easily blow them away. Store the hairy beardtongue seeds in a cool, dry location.
