Calico Beardtongue - Penstemon calycosus

Sturdy pale pink to pale purple tubular flowers are visited by many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, Sphinx moths, and Hummingbirds. Unlike other penstemons, this one tolerates more moisture than others and more shade so it is a great addition to both sunny and part shade rain gardens. Easy to grow, Calico Beardtongue is one of the host plants of the Chalcedon Checkerspot and Edith's Checkerspot butterflies and favored by the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. It is rarely eaten by rabbits, and may spread by seed. Soil Type: Clay/Loam/Sand Soil Conditions: Average-MediumDry Flower Color: Pale pink to pale lilac Flower Time: June-July Height: 1-3' Light: Tolerates All Features: Hummingbirds and other Birds, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Pollinators, Larval Host Credits: Info & Photo courtesy of Julia Bunn