Beardtongue requires ordinary but well-drained garden soil. It needs full sun in northern gardens, but prefers partial shade in the Southeast. Be certain to keep mulches away from the crown, as the plant will rot quickly if smothered. Remove dead flower spikes to encourage repeat blooming.
Though native to the Southwest and Mexico, beardtongue is perfectly hardy in the North and thrives in the heat and humidity of the Deep South. The small flowers, arranged along the stems (similar to foxglove), appear in shades of lavender, pink, red, purple, and white. Even in the darker colors, the effect is airy, and the plant adds a delicate presence to the late-June border among more flamboyant neighbors.
ZONES: 3–9
BLOOM TIME: Early summer
LIGHT: Full sun
HEIGHT: 18–36 inches
INTEREST: Masses of tubeshaped flowers; recurrent bloom until frost
Place beardtongue anywhere toward the front of a mixed border where you want a touch of subtlety. Shorter-growing varieties are ideal for the rock garden. All sizes are stunning in cut flower arrangements.