perennial · design plant record

Penstemon digitalis

Tall white beardtongue

An earlier flowering upright layer for a compatible pollinator border, ahead of the main summer display.

Height at maturity

0.61–1.52 m (2–5 ft)

Spread at maturity

0.46–0.61 m (1.5–2 ft)

Light

Sun / Part shade

Moisture

Drier soil after establishment / Moist, draining soil

Source-reported USDA zones

3–8 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Spring, Summer

Fit it to the site

Draining loam, including draining clay; moist to occasionally dry conditions. The source records acidic soil.

Reject persistently waterlogged ground. Source prose reaches 5 ft while its dimension field reaches 4 ft; the upper height here allows the larger figure.

Keep the care in the decision

Inspect new plants for moisture and competition. Retain or remove seed heads according to the design and local habitat needs. Keep access to review spreading seedlings.

Origin & safety checks

Central and eastern United States. Verify local native range and provenance.

Despite the common-name resemblance, this is not Digitalis foxglove. The source distinguishes their toxicity; this record still does not certify all exposure or pet safety.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.