How much sun does Upright blue beardtongue need?

Upright blue beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Upright blue beardtongue bloom?

Upright blue beardtongue blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Upright blue beardtongue native?

Upright blue beardtongue (Penstemon virgatus) is native to AZ, CO, NM, WY, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Upright blue beardtongue attract?

Upright blue beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.

Upright blue beardtongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon virgatus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Upright blue beardtongue (Penstemon virgatus) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CO, NM, WY. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Upright blue beardtongue (Penstemon virgatus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 8"–14" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CO, NM, WY

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Rockies North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands

A perennial forb with narrow leaves and slender, wand-like spikes of tubular, blue-lavender flowers held on upright stems. Grows on dry, open slopes and montane meadows.

Growing Upright blue beardtongue

Grow Upright blue beardtongue in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 8 to 14 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract bees and occasionally hummingbirds through the summer bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Upright blue beardtongue need?: Upright blue beardtongue grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Upright blue beardtongue bloom?: Upright blue beardtongue blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Upright blue beardtongue native?: Upright blue beardtongue (Penstemon virgatus) is native to AZ, CO, NM, WY, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Upright blue beardtongue attract?: Upright blue beardtongue draws bees and hummingbirds.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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