Penstemon Blackbird

Penstemon Blackbird, commonly known as ‘Beard Tongue’,  is a striking perennial plant that is prized for its dramatic dark foliage and beautiful deep purple flowers. This plant is a member of the Penstemon family, which includes over 250 species of flowering plants native to North America.

The most distinctive feature of Penstemon Blackbird is its striking foliage, which is lance-shaped and grows up to 12cm long. In late Spring to early Summer, the plant produces tall spikes of tubular flowers that are 2-3cm long. The flowers are a stunning deep purple colour with a white throat and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.  This Penstemon grows in a clumping habit and can reach a height of up to 1 metre with a spread of 1/2 metre. It is a relatively fast-growing plant that can fill in a garden space quickly. This plant is also long-lived and can survive for several years with proper care.

Overall, Penstemon Blackbird is a stunning and low-maintenance perennial plant that can add colour and interest to any garden. Its unique foliage and beautiful flowers make it an excellent choice for garden borders, rock gardens, and container planting.

How to care for your Penstemon Blackbird

• Soil and Sunlight: Prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. It also requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and flowering. Make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Watering: It is drought-tolerant and can withstand dry spells, but it still needs regular watering, especially during its growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil moisture.
• Fertilising: Does not require heavy feeding but can benefit from a light application of balanced fertiliser in early Spring. Too much fertiliser can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: To promote bushier growth and more flowers, pinch back the tips of the stems by one-third in early Spring. After flowering, cut back the spent flower stems to encourage a second round of blooms. Also, trim back the foliage in late Autumn or early Spring to promote bushier growth.
• Winter care: Is is hardy down to temperatures of -10˚C so will need protection in colder weather.

By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of Penstemon Blackbird for years to come.