One of the showiest of all Penstemons, Penstemon grandiflorus (Large Beardtongue) is a herbaceous perennial boasting upright racemes of large, pink to lavender, horizontally arranged, tubular flowers, 2 in. long (5 cm). Blooming for a few weeks in late spring to early summer, the striking blossoms attract bees, hummingbirds and birds but are ignored by deer. They are borne on smooth stems clad with opposite, blue-green, waxy leaves and rise above a basal rosette of obovate leaves. Low care, this prairie species is particularly spectacular when grown in drifts, adding lovely vertical lines to the landscape.

• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). This plant will self-seed in optimum growing conditions.
• Best grown in full sun in sandy and rocky, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Dislikes moist conditions and needs excellent drainage.
• Ideal for prairies and meadows, cottage gardens or native plant gardens. Provides a striking impact when massed.
• May be affected by leaf spots, rusts and rots. Deer resistant.
• May be grown from seed.
• Native to the Great Plains from North Dakota to Wyoming, Texas and Illinois