Large Beard Tongue
Penstemon grandiflorus
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Penstemon grandiflorus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Prairies and plains. Edges of sandy woods in Texas.
Central N. America - Illinois to Minnesota, North Dakota, Kansas and Colorado.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of chest pains and stomach aches. A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment of chills and fevers.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary rich garden soils so long as they are well-drained. Requires plenty of moisture in the growing season. A very ornamental plant, it is very cold hardy, but some protection from winter wet is beneficial for this plant.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring. Alternatively, the seed can be sown in early summer in a greenhouse, the seedlings overwintered in the greenhouse and then planted out in the following spring. Division in autumn. Cuttings can be taken throughout the growing season, though August/September is best.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist