Penstemon calycosus.
Calico Beardtongue, also known as Smooth Beardtongue, is a perennial wildflower native to the eastern United States from Main to Georgia and west into Minnesota and Missouri.
Plant grows to about 3 feet in height and produces tubular, pink-purple flowers that bloom for about a month in late spring or early summer.
Attracts honeybees, bumblebees, and other pollinators. Hummingbirds will also visit the nectar-rich flowers from time to time!
Typically blooms in the second year.
Calico Beardtongue
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones:
4 to 7
Light Requirement:
Full to partial sun
Soil Type:
Rich, loamy, moist
Sow Depth:
1/4 inch
Plant Spacing:
12 to 24 inches
Germination Note:
Cold stratification required
Stratification Time:
30 days
Bloom Time:
June through July
Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by planting the seeds just below the soil's surface. For earlier planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days (cold stratification) before direct sowing.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.
