Otherwise known as Beard Tongue, this plant is a compact habit Penstemon series with vibrant blooms. Penstemon Rock Candy^® Ruby features magenta-red tubular blooms on a compact flower spike. Penstemon Blue Rock Candy has blue bell shaped blooms that sit delicately on top of compact flower stems. These blue flowers stand out against medium green foliage and are perfect for welcoming your neighbors into your garden. 

The compact, upright mounding habit stands 12 inches tall by 12 inches wide   Penstemon Rock Candy^® Ruby likes to be grown in full-sun areas with well-drained soil. The bell-shaped blooms are inviting to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This heat and drought-tolerant perennial is the perfect size for borders, walkways, and container gardens. Collect all the colors in the Rock Candy^® series for a colorful garden.

Care

To ensure the thriving growth of Penstemon, plant it in well-draining soil with good air circulation. It prefers full sun to partial shade conditions. This plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering during dry periods. Deadheading spent flowers can prolong blooming and encourage new flower production. Hardy in zones 5-8,

Growth Habit

At maturity, Rock Candy Penstemon typically reaches a height of only 12" and  and 8-10" wide.  It forms an upright, clumping habit and is ideal for borders, mixed perennial beds, or as a focal point in the garden. Blooming early summer through fall with a light trim as needed.

Toxicity

Penstemon species, including Blackbeard Penstemon (Penstemon 'Blackbeard'), are generally not considered toxic to humans or pets.