How much sun does Gairdner's Beardtongue need?

Gairdner's Beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Gairdner's Beardtongue bloom?

Gairdner's Beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Gairdner's Beardtongue native?

Gairdner's Beardtongue (Penstemon gairdneri) is native to ID, OR, WA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Gairdner's Beardtongue toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Gairdner's Beardtongue as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Gairdner's Beardtongue attract?

Gairdner's Beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.

Is Gairdner's Beardtongue HOA-friendly?

Gairdner's Beardtongue is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Gairdner's Beardtongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon gairdneri

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Gairdner's Beardtongue as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

ID, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

Gairdner's beardtongue is a compact native perennial with tubular purple or blue flowers that bloom from May through July. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat clumps and requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Gairdner's Beardtongue is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees. This plant provides important nectar during late spring and early summer when many pollinators are most active.

Common questions

How much sun does Gairdner's Beardtongue need?: Gairdner's Beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Gairdner's Beardtongue bloom?: Gairdner's Beardtongue blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Gairdner's Beardtongue native?: Gairdner's Beardtongue (Penstemon gairdneri) is native to ID, OR, WA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Gairdner's Beardtongue toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Gairdner's Beardtongue as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Gairdner's Beardtongue attract?: Gairdner's Beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.
Is Gairdner's Beardtongue HOA-friendly?: Gairdner's Beardtongue is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Gairdner's Beardtongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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