How much sun does Large beardtongue need?

Large beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Large beardtongue bloom?

Large beardtongue blooms in May and June.

Where is Large beardtongue native?

Large beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus) is native to CO, IA, IL, KS and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Large beardtongue attract?

Large beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.

Is Large beardtongue HOA-friendly?

Large beardtongue is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Large beardtongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon grandiflorus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Large beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus) is a perennial forb native to CO, IA, IL, KS and 11 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

18"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CO, IA, IL, KS and 11 more states

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains High Plains Central Great Plains Great Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills

An upright perennial forb with smooth, waxy blue-green leaves and open spikes of large, pale lavender, tubular flowers in early summer. Thrives in lean, well-drained soil and full sun, offering a bold vertical accent in a naturalized or prairie-style border.

Growing Large beardtongue

Grow Large beardtongue in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Large 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

Large tubular flowers attract bees and hummingbirds for nectar.

Common questions

How much sun does Large beardtongue need?: Large beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Large beardtongue bloom?: Large beardtongue blooms in May and June.
Where is Large beardtongue native?: Large beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus) is native to CO, IA, IL, KS and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Large beardtongue attract?: Large beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.
Is Large beardtongue HOA-friendly?: Large beardtongue is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Large beardtongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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