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Penstemmon canescens
Family Scrophulariaceae - Snapdragon
This particular penstemon is a transplant from the wild. In the woodlands of southeastern Indiana this wildflower brightens the summer forest with its pink flowers. Cuttings taken in summer rooted under mist in the greenhouse resulted in a superb addition to the perennial flower garden.

Beardtongue is native from southern Indiana to Pennsylvania and south. The wildflower guides say penstemon occurs mostly in mountains, but it is present here in the hilly terrain of the southern portion of the state. In the perennial garden it grows a bit taller than in the wild and is much more generous in bloom. It will get about three feet tall and will bloom from early June until mid July. Sometimes it will bloom sporadically after that if deadheaded.

Since beardtongue is a woodland flower, it will do best in partial shade to mostly shade in the perennial garden. It seems to bloom more in a sunnier location, but the plants will be more short lived. There are about 250 varieties of Penstemons in this family. One is of Asiatic origin, the remainder are North American. The most species are in the western United States.

Propagation of penstemon is either from seed or cuttings taken in fall or late summer. Seeds from wild species can be sown and will come true. Hybrids will not come true from seed. Division of some species can also be done in the spring.

The penstemon is a native American wildflower which can easily make the transition to the perennial garden. Also called beardtongues, these pretty wildflowers will brighten the summer shady garden with pink, white, or lavender blossoms.