Penstemon Onyx and Pearls (Beardtongue)

Penstemon ‘Onyx and Pearls’ (Beardtongue) is a bushy clump-forming perennial with strong, erect stems boasting clusters of trumpet-shaped, soft lavender flowers with white interiors from early to midsummer. They rise above a particularly handsome foliage of lance-shaped, black leaves.

Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' (Beardtongue) is a bushy clump-forming perennial with strong, erect stems boasting clusters of trumpet-shaped, soft lavender flowers with white interiors from early to midsummer. They rise above a particularly handsome foliage of lance-shaped, black leaves. Adding lovely vertical lines to the landscape, Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' is heat, humidity and drought tolerant. Easy to grow, rarely bothered by insects or diseases, it is suitable for the perennial border, for naturalizing, and for cut flowers.

  • Grows up to 42 in. tall (105 cm) and 38-42 in. wide (95-105 cm).
  • Best grown in full sun in fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought and salt tolerant.
  • Provides a bold and striking impact in beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens or in prairie plantings. Ideal for naturalistic planting schemes. Good as cut flowers too!
  • Attracts scores of hummingbirds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
  • Generally pest and disease free. May be subject to root rot in wet, poorly-drained soils.
  • Tidy any winter damaged growth in early spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Penstemon – Beardtongues
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 40″
– 48″
(100cm
– 120cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden