Penstemon calycosus, commonly called Calico Beardtongue or Long-Sepal Beardtongue for… well… its long sepals, is a favorite of various pollinators including Sphinx moths, butterflies and long-tongued bees that visit its pink-mauve flowers from June to July when it’s in bloom. Native to eastern North America and parts of the Midwest, the snapdragon-like, lipped flowers range in color from pink-mauve to lavender to light purple with a white inner lip, standing upright over glossy, semi-evergreen foliage. Foliage forms in a low-growing, basal-rosette and takes on a gorgeous, bright red fall color. Calico Beardtongue is shade tolerant, but less drought tolerant than other Penstemon species, and prefers moist but well-drained soils.
