Penstemon digitalis 'Pocahontas' - Pocahontas Beardtongue

A dramatic variety, with beautiful burgundy emerging foliage that matures to deep green with a burgundy wash; glorious lavender pink blooms in summer contrast the foliage; plants are vigorous and very drought tolerant

Height: Plant Height: 24 inches. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 3b.

Ornamental features

Pocahontas Beard Tongue has masses of beautiful spikes of lavender tubular flowers with pink overtones and white throats rising above the foliage from early to late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive narrow leaves emerge burgundy in spring, turning dark green in color with showy burgundy variegation. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous dark red in the fall. The dark red stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Landscape

Pocahontas Beard Tongue is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Mass Planting, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Pocahontas Beard Tongue will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 28 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 24 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.