Penstemon 'Blackbeard' is a striking perennial prized for its deep burgundy foliage and upright spires of lavender purple flowers that bloom from late spring into midsummer. Its dark leaves provide contrast in mixed borders while the sturdy stems hold color well even in heat. Compact and clump forming, 'Blackbeard' performs well in sunny well drained locations and is drought tolerant once established. Height & Spread: 28 - 34 in x 20 - 24 in Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer Light Requirements: Full sun Soil Preference: Average to well drained soils, not overly rich Watering Needs: Low once established Deer Resistance: Not favored by deer due to bitter foliage Native Status Penstemon 'Blackbeard' is a cultivated hybrid derived from North American native Penstemon species, offering similar ecological benefits in a more compact and ornamental form. WILDLIFE & INSECTS Bees Visited by bumblebees and native solitary bees which access the tubular flowers for nectar. Butterflies Attracts swallowtails, fritillaries, and skippers with its brightly colored blossoms. Hummingbirds The tubular blooms are a favorite of Ruby Throated Hummingbirds in search of nectar rich plants. Beneficial Insects Draws syrphid flies and parasitic wasps which assist with aphid and soft bodied pest control. Spacing & Landscape Use Spacing Recommendations: Plant 20 - 24 in apart to allow full foliage spread and prevent overcrowding. Landscape Placement: Excellent in sunny borders, pollinator gardens, or rock gardens. Its upright habit and dark foliage provide contrast next to grasses and silver leaved perennials. Companion Plants Agastache foeniculum 'Blue Fortune' - Aromatic foliage and tall lavender flower spikes pair well with Penstemon for a pollinator rich display. Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Wispy texture and cool toned blooms enhance Penstemon's vertical form and leaf color. Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow White' - Large white daisies provide contrast to the burgundy foliage and purple flowers of 'Blackbeard'. Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Soft yellow flowers form a tidy ground layer and lighten up dark leaved companions. Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep violet spikes echo the flower tones and attract a wide array of pollinators.
