Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Penstemon tubaeflorus is a clump-forming, Missouri native perennial which occurs in dryish soils on prairies, limestone glades, open woods and along railroad tracks. Typically grows 1-3' tall. Features loose, terminal clusters of white, trumpet-shaped flowers (to 1.25" long) atop erect, rigid stems. Flowers bloom in mid to late spring. Narrow, lance-shaped foliage (to 4" long).
Genus name comes from the Greek words penta meaning five and stemon meaning stamen in reference to each flower having five stamens (four are fertile and one is sterile).
Specific epithet means with tubular flowers.
Sometimes commonly called beard tongue because the sterile stamen has a tuft of small hairs.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot can occur in wet, poorly-drained soils.
Uses
Mass in sunny borders, native plant gardens and wild gardens.