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Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) flower
Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) blooming in garden
Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) foliage
Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) in garden

large beardtongue

Penstemon grandiflorus

Large Beardtongue is a US native that can be found growing in dry sandy or gravelly soils in prairies of the northern Great Plains and sometimes further south. It is a beauty with large flowers and succulent-like blue-green-gray leaves.

P. grandiflorus is the showiest of all the native Penstemon with tall spikes of lavender-pink flowers that pollinators adore. The flower show is short (only 2-3 weeks), but the attractive silver-blue foliage earns this plant a place in our gardens. Grow it in sandy, gravelly soil for best results.

Hudson Valley Gardeners: We will be the first to admit that Penstemon are not particularly easy plants to grow in the Northeast. They are easy in their first growing season, but they need fertile yet exceptionally well-drained soil in order to establish successfully. They also need some level of protection from drying spring winds. We think they are worth the effort as they make a wonderful addition to the low-water garden. Additionally, it is easy to maintain a continual supply by taking cuttings.

Tip: Deadheading in the first two years will encourage stronger plants.

Zones: 3 to 8
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 24 to 48 in.
Spread: 12 to 18 in.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil: Dry, Well-drained, Average
Bloom Time: June to August
Native Range: Minnesota to Texas

Special Characteristics
  • Deer-resistant
  • Salt tolerant
  • Pollinator favorite
  • Glaucous foliage
image credits

Ali McEnhill, The Old Dairy Nursery

Regular price
$14.99
Regular price
Sale price
$14.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.

ships spring 2025

PLEASE KNOW: Plants shipped in early spring are likely to arrive dormant.
Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) flower
Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) blooming in garden
Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) foliage
Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) in garden

Ordering information

Preorders

You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for spring 2025 shipment. If you place multiple orders, we will combine plants into one box (or as many as needed) and any extra shipping charges will be refunded when we ship.

We will begin shipping plants as soon as plants begin to emerge from dormancy in spring. Woodies will likely begin shipping in April. Perennials will likely begin shipping in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to ship together. If you would like to receive plants sooner please reach out.

We will check in with you a week before shipping to make sure you receive your plants at a time that is convenient for you.

Shipping

Live plants ship in spring and fall only. Plants may ship dormant, depending on variety and season. Shipping costs are most reasonable when bundling like size plants.

  • 4-inch: 1-6 plants ship for $15.00 / 7-13 plants ship for $18.00 / 14-30 plants ship for $40.00
  • 1-gal: 1-2 plants ship for $18.00 / 3-4 plants ship for $25.00 / 5-6 plants ship for $40.00
  • trees & shrubs: $27.00-$40.00 each, height dependent

We regret that we cannot ship internationally or to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA.

Read more about our shipping policies here.

Nursery pick up

Plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall. We prefer 24 hour notice to get your order together and will email you when ready for collection.

If you place a SPRING 2025 PREORDER, we will contact you in spring when your plants are ready for collection. Woodies will likely become available for collection in April. Perennials will likely become available in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to be collected together.

Plant Sizes

We most commonly use the following pot sizes for perennials:

  • 4-inch pot: 3.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D
  • 2-quart pot: 6" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D
  • 1-gallon pot: 6.87" H x 8" Dia (this is a true one gallon pot, not the smaller 'trade' one gallon pot used by many nurseries)

Check out our illustrated pot size guide here.

Representative trees & shrubs are photographed in their pots and posted on each plant page.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at The Old Dairy. We grow all of our plants outdoors without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, carbon fuels, or peat.

Many of our perennials are grown in the ground and dug upon order (this is especially true for larger sizes). This practice allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants using native soil, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.

Our open-pollinated seeds are collected from plants in our mother beds, which have never been treated with chemicals or sprays of any kind.

Read all about our sustainable practices here.

Penstemon grandiflorus seedlingPenstemon grandiflorus seedling
Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) blooming in garden Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) blooming in garden

view this plant in our garden

Penstemon grandiflorus | House: Front Garden 2024

seedling image

Penstemon grandiflorus

We are slowly creating a seedling image library to help make weeding easier.
Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) blooming in garden Penstemon grandiflorus (large beardtongue) blooming in garden
Penstemon grandiflorus seedlingPenstemon grandiflorus seedling