Mt Cuba Center
Morning sunrise illuminates the round garden at Mt. Cuba Center.
Explore the Gardens Virtual Tour Virtual Tour
HOURS

Gardens and trails are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am-6 pm. Plan your visit today!

An ecological gardening certificate student completes a Native Plants of Fall exam in Mt. Cuba Center's naturalistic gardens.
Ecological Gardening Certificate Learn More Learn More
Program Guide

Classes offered year-round. Learn to garden in harmony with nature, take an art or wellness class, and more!

Carex barrattii
Latest Trial: Carex for the Mid-Atlantic Region Learn More Learn More
Trial Garden

Mt. Cuba Center evaluates native plants and related cultivars for horticultural and ecological value.

Mt. Cuba Center's natural lands pictured at sunset.
Protecting Natural Lands Learn More Learn More
Ecological Land Management

Mt. Cuba conserves and stewards more than 1,000 acres including meadows, forests, streams and riparian corridors.

Two guests walk down the West Slope path in spring at Mt. Cuba Center.
Gift a Membership Gift Guide Gift Guide
MEMBERSHIP

Enjoy unlimited general admission, member discounts, guest passes, and more!

close
Mt Cuba Center
Back to list

Penstemon calycosus

Native Plants

Long-Sepal Beardtongue

3 Photos


Summary

This herbaceous perennial is deserving of greater use in the garden because of its cultural adaptability. Long-sepal beardtongue tolerates a variety of conditions from filtered shade to full sun and moist and well-drained to dry soils. Flowers are produced in terminal panicles and each individual flower is 1” long, snapdragon-like and ranges in color from light violet to purple. Plants can grow 1-3’ tall and roughly 2’ wide. The foliage is lance-shaped, semi-glossy, medium green and has finely saw-toothed edges. Use with Spigelia marilandica to extend the season of bloom or use with Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ and Amsonia ciliata for a pleasing foliar combination.


More Details

  • Plant Type
    perennial 
  • Sun/Shade Conditions
    filtered-shade, full-sun 
  • Foliage Character
    semi-evergreen 
  • Soil Moisture
    average, dry, moist 
  • Flowering Period
    early-summer, late-spring
  • Soil PH
    adaptable 
  • Flower Color
    purple 
  • Summer Foliage Color
    green 
  • Fall Foliage Color
    green, purple 
  • Fruit/Seed Color
    tan