New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a small, deciduous native shrub valued for its glossy green foliage, frothy white summer flowers, and remarkable drought tolerance. Typically growing about 2–3 feet tall and wide, it forms a rounded mound that fits easily into small gardens, prairie edges, and dry, sunny slopes. In early to mid-summer, it’s covered in clusters of tiny, fragrant white blooms that look like miniature bottlebrushes and buzz with pollinators.

This species is native to central and eastern North America, where it occurs in prairies, oak savannas, open woodlands, sandplains, and rocky hillsides. It evolved in lean, well-drained soils and disturbance-prone habitats, including fire-adapted barrens. A deep, woody taproot anchors the plant, allows it to resprout after fire, and makes it extremely drought tolerant—but also difficult to transplant once established.

Key Characteristics

• Height: About 2–3 feet tall

• Spread: About 2–4 feet wide, forming a low, rounded shrub

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early/mid-summer (often May–July, sometimes into August)

• Light Requirements: Full sun to light partial shade (best flowering in full sun)

• Soil Preference: Dry to medium, well-drained soils; thrives in sandy, rocky, or lean loams

• Zones: Generally hardy in USDA zones 3–8 (often listed up to 9 depending on source)

New Jersey tea has dark green, oval to lance-shaped leaves with a slightly rough or downy underside. In bloom, the shrub is covered with small, creamy-white flower clusters at the ends of short stems. In late summer, the flowers mature into tiny, three-part capsules that turn brown as the seeds ripen. In fall, the leaves drop to reveal attractive, sometimes reddish or yellowish stems.

Historically, the dried leaves were used as a tea substitute during the American Revolution, giving the plant its common name. Today, it’s mainly grown for its ornamental value and strong wildlife benefits.

Why New Jersey Tea Is Attractive to Hummingbirds and Pollinators

New Jersey tea is a pollinator powerhouse. Its many small flowers are rich in nectar and pollen and are highly attractive to a wide variety of insects. Bumblebees, small native bees, wasps, flies, and numerous butterflies visit the blooms, often covering the shrub on sunny days.

It’s also a documented host plant for several butterfly species, including mottled duskywing and the azure butterflies (spring and summer azures). Their caterpillars feed on the foliage, linking the shrub directly into the local food web.

Hummingbirds are drawn to New Jersey tea indirectly. The shrub itself produces small, white, non-tubular flowers—not classic hummingbird blooms—but the dense insect activity around the flowers provides a reliable hunting ground. Hummingbirds will work the shrub both for its small nectar resources and, more importantly, for the tiny insects gathered among the blossoms.

Natural Habitat and Growing Conditions

In the wild, New Jersey tea is found in:

• Dry prairies and sandplains

• Oak savannas and open woodlands

• Rocky slopes, barrens, and pine barrens

• Other disturbance-prone, well-drained sites

It naturally thrives where soils are sandy, rocky, or shallow and where moisture is limited or quickly drained away. It is also adapted to fire and heavy browsing, often resprouting from its deep root after top growth is damaged.

In the garden, it does best when you mimic these conditions:

• Light: Full sun is ideal and produces the heaviest flowering. Light partial shade is tolerated, especially in hot climates, but dense shade will reduce bloom and vigor.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soils and tolerates poor, lean conditions. Rich, heavy, or consistently moist soils can lead to weak growth or root problems.

• Moisture: Average to dry soils are best. Once established, New Jersey tea is very drought tolerant and prefers not to sit in wet soil.

Because of its deep taproot, it is excellent for stabilizing dry slopes and sandy banks, and it’s a natural fit in prairie and savanna-style plantings.

Care and Maintenance

New Jersey tea is low-maintenance if planted in the right spot.

• Watering: Water consistently during the first growing season to help establish the deep root system. After that, it typically needs only occasional watering during prolonged droughts.

• Feeding: This shrub is a nitrogen fixer and thrives in poor soils, so it rarely needs fertilizer. Overly rich soils can actually be detrimental, encouraging soft, weak growth. If desired, a light top-dressing of compost in spring is enough.

• Mulching: A thin layer of organic mulch (such as shredded leaves) can help preserve soil moisture and moderate temperature, but avoid heavy mulches in very dry, sandy habitats where the plant is naturally adapted. Keep mulch away from the stems to prevent rot.

• Pruning: Little pruning is necessary. In late winter or early spring, you can lightly shape the shrub and remove any dead or crossing stems. Avoid hard cutting to the ground unless you are intentionally rejuvenating an older plant; even then, give it time to resprout from the root.

Because of its deep, woody taproot, New Jersey tea does not transplant well once established. It’s best to plant young and plan for it to stay in the same location long-term.

Ecological Benefits

New Jersey tea contributes significantly to garden ecology:

• Pollinator magnet: The small, fragrant flower clusters supply abundant nectar and pollen to bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies during late spring and early summer.

• Butterfly host plant: It serves as a larval host for several butterflies, including mottled duskywing and azure species, supporting their full life cycles.

• Bird value: The dense, twiggy structure provides cover for small birds, and seed capsules may be used by some bird species.

• Nitrogen fixation: As a nitrogen-fixing shrub, New Jersey tea can enrich poor, sandy soils over time, subtly improving conditions for nearby plants.

When used in native, prairie, or dry pollinator gardens, it helps create a resilient, low-input planting that supports a wide array of insects and other wildlife.

Why Grow New Jersey Tea

New Jersey tea is an excellent choice if you need a compact, drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly shrub for sunny, dry spots.

1. Compact Size for Small Spaces

At about 2–3 feet tall and wide, New Jersey tea fits easily into foundation plantings, front-of-border positions, and small gardens. It offers the structure of a shrub without overwhelming tight spaces.

2. Thrives in Dry, Poor Soils

If you garden on sandy, rocky, or lean soil and struggle to find plants that thrive without constant watering or fertilizer, New Jersey tea is a great candidate. Once established, it’s highly drought tolerant and well-suited to water-wise landscapes.

3. Strong Pollinator and Butterfly Value

With its profusion of small white blossoms, New Jersey tea is alive with insect activity when in bloom. It feeds pollinators, hosts butterfly larvae, and indirectly supports birds and other wildlife that prey on those insects.

4. Naturalistic Beauty and Native Character

This shrub looks right at home in prairie-style and native plantings, especially when combined with grasses and sun-loving perennials. It adds regional character and a sense of place to gardens in its native range.

5. Historical Interest

As a traditional tea substitute used during the American Revolution, New Jersey tea brings a bit of American history into the garden. While it’s not commonly used this way today, its story adds an extra layer of interest.

Planting Tips

Site Selection:
Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil—sandy, gravelly, or rocky conditions are ideal. Avoid locations that stay wet after rains or where irrigation is frequent.

Soil Preparation:
Heavy amendment is not necessary and can even be counterproductive. If you have very heavy clay, consider loosening the soil and incorporating some grit or sand to improve drainage, or plant on a slight slope or berm.

Spacing:
Space plants about 2–3 feet apart. This allows each shrub to develop its natural rounded form while still forming a cohesive planting in groups.

Watering:
Water thoroughly at planting and keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) through the first season. After the shrub shows strong new growth and has been through a season or two, gradually reduce watering so it can rely on its deep root system.

Establishment from Seed or Plugs:
Because older plants transplant poorly, many growers prefer to establish New Jersey tea from seed or small plugs. Seed often requires special treatment (such as scarification and cold stratification) and may take a few years to reach flowering size, but the resulting plants are well adapted to their site.

Unique Characteristics of New Jersey Tea That Make It Special

New Jersey tea has several distinctive traits:

Deep, Woody Taproot

The thick, tree-like taproot can reach deep into the soil, allowing the shrub to survive drought, fire, and browsing. This makes it extremely resilient but also makes moving mature plants very difficult.

Fire and Browse Adaptation

In natural habitats, New Jersey tea is often top-killed by fire but resprouts vigorously from its rootstock. It is also adapted to heavy browsing by herbivores, further underscoring its toughness.

Nitrogen-Fixing Shrub

Unlike many ornamentals, New Jersey tea can fix atmospheric nitrogen, allowing it to prosper in poor, sandy soils and gradually improve soil fertility in its immediate vicinity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Jersey tea native?

Yes. New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) is native to central and eastern North America, where it grows in prairies, sandplains, oak savannas, open woods, and rocky slopes.

Does New Jersey tea attract hummingbirds and pollinators?

It is excellent for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. Hummingbirds are drawn mainly to the insects around the flowers and may also sip some nectar, so the shrub supports them indirectly as a feeding station.

How much sun does New Jersey tea need?

It flowers best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. In too much shade, flowering declines and plants may become leggy.

Is New Jersey tea drought tolerant?

Yes. Once established, it is very drought tolerant and well suited to dry, sandy, or rocky soils. It prefers average to dry moisture and does not like chronically wet conditions.

Can New Jersey tea be transplanted?

Mature plants are difficult to transplant because of their deep taproots. It’s best to plant young and choose the final location carefully, or start from seed or small plugs directly in the intended site.

Is New Jersey tea good for small gardens?

Yes. Its compact size, drought tolerance, and wildlife value make it ideal for small sunny gardens, front-yard native plantings, and foundation beds with well-drained soil.

Conclusion

New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a compact, tough, and ecologically rich native shrub that thrives in dry, sunny, well-drained sites. Its frothy white blooms support a wide range of pollinators and butterflies, while its deep root system provides drought resilience and helps stabilize poor soils.

By giving it full sun, lean, well-drained soil, and time to establish, you can enjoy a long-lived shrub that adds structure, seasonal interest, and strong wildlife value to your garden—especially in prairie-style, dry border, and native plant designs.

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), also called summer phlox, is a classic perennial known for its tall stems topped with large, fragrant flower clusters in mid to late summer. The blooms come in shades of pink, purple, lavender, white, and bicolors, and they have a sweet, old-fashioned scent that carries on warm evenings. In full bloom, garden phlox becomes a luminous block of color, making it a staple in traditional borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator plantings.

This species is native to parts of eastern North America and has been widely cultivated and hybridized, resulting in many garden cultivars. It thrives in reasonably moist, fertile, well-drained soil and sun to light shade. When given good air circulation and consistent moisture, garden phlox can bloom strongly for weeks, providing a showy vertical accent and a rich nectar source at the height of summer.

Key Characteristics

• Height: Typically 2–4 feet tall, depending on cultivar and growing conditions

• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall (often July–September)

• Light Requirements: Full sun to light partial shade (best flowering in full sun with some afternoon shade in hot climates)

• Soil Preference: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; appreciates consistent moisture but not soggy conditions

• Zones: Generally hardy in USDA zones 4–8

Garden phlox forms clumps of sturdy, upright stems with elongated, pointed green leaves. At the top of each stem, dense panicles of tubular flowers create a domed or pyramid-shaped cluster. The flowers are highly fragrant and excellent for cutting, and new mildew-resistant cultivars have made it easier than ever to enjoy phlox without severe leaf problems in humid regions.

Why Garden Phlox Is Attractive to Hummingbirds

Garden phlox is a superb nectar plant for hummingbirds. Each individual flower has a narrow, tubular shape that is well-suited to a hummingbird’s long bill and tongue, allowing birds to easily reach the nectar hidden deep inside. The clusters hold dozens of flowers at once, so hummingbirds can visit many florets in a small area, which makes feeding efficient.

In addition to hummingbirds, garden phlox is famous for attracting butterflies, clearwing moths (hummingbird moths), bees, and other pollinators. Because it blooms in mid to late summer, it provides essential nectar when many spring plants are finished and some fall bloomers have not yet started. When you plant garden phlox in generous drifts or mix it with other sun-loving nectar plants, you create a vibrant summer buffet for pollinators across your garden.

Natural Habitat and Growing Conditions

In its native range, Phlox paniculata is found in meadows, forest edges, stream banks, and open woodlands. It naturally favors spots with decent moisture, light, and airflow.

In home gardens, it thrives when you offer similar conditions:

• Light: Full sun (6+ hours) promotes the best flowering and strongest stems. In hotter climates, light afternoon shade can help prevent stress and keep flowers looking fresh.

• Soil: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. It performs best in enriched garden beds rather than extremely dry or nutrient-poor soil.

• Moisture: Likes consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. Soil should be kept evenly moist but not constantly waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.

Because garden phlox is somewhat prone to powdery mildew, good air circulation is important. Avoid crowding plants and choose an open site where air can move through the foliage.

Care and Maintenance

Garden phlox rewards regular care with long, abundant bloom.

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season and in hot, dry weather. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overhead watering if powdery mildew is a concern; water at the base of the plant instead.

• Feeding: Incorporate compost into the soil at planting time and top-dress annually in spring. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support strong growth and flowering.

• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture, keep roots cool, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a bit away from the stems to reduce disease risk.

• Deadheading: Removing spent flower clusters encourages new blooms and can extend the flowering period well into late summer. It also prevents unwanted self-seeding of cultivars that won’t come true from seed.

• Cutting back: In late fall or early spring, cut back stems to a few inches above the soil. Dividing mature clumps every few years helps maintain vigor and reduces disease pressure.

In humid climates, powdery mildew is common on older cultivars. Choosing mildew-resistant varieties, providing good airflow, and avoiding overhead watering all help keep foliage cleaner.

Ecological Benefits

Garden phlox is an important plant for summer pollinator support.

• Nectar source: The fragrant, tubular flowers are rich in nectar, attracting butterflies (including swallowtails), bees, moths, and hummingbirds.

• Pollinator diversity: Clearwing moths, skippers, and many other insects rely on phlox as a mid- to late-season nectar source.

• Bird garden value: Hummingbirds visit throughout the flowering season, and the tall stems add structure and perching spots in mixed borders.

When paired with other native and pollinator-friendly perennials, garden phlox helps create a layered habitat that supports wildlife from spring into fall.

Why Grow Garden Phlox

Garden phlox has been a border favorite for generations for good reason.

1. Big, Fragrant Flower Clusters

Few perennials can match garden phlox for sheer floral impact in midsummer. Large, dome-shaped clusters of flowers top tall stems and are heavily scented, making them as appealing to people as they are to pollinators.

2. Long Bloom Season

With good care and deadheading, garden phlox can bloom from mid-summer well into early fall. This extended display fills the gap between early summer perennials and fall-blooming asters and goldenrods.

3. Exceptional Pollinator and Hummingbird Plant

Garden phlox is a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. If you’re designing a pollinator garden or a hummingbird-friendly border, it’s a high-value plant that offers a lot in a relatively small footprint.

4. Fits Many Garden Styles

From cottage gardens and traditional borders to native-style plantings and rain garden edges, garden phlox adapts well to different aesthetics. It works beautifully with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, bee balm, tall grasses, and many other summer perennials.

5. Improved Disease-Resistant Cultivars

Modern cultivars such as ‘Jeana’, ‘David’, and others have significantly improved resistance to powdery mildew. These varieties allow gardeners in humid climates to enjoy garden phlox with less foliage damage and fewer sprays.

Planting Tips

Site Selection:
Choose a site with full sun to light partial shade and good air circulation. Avoid tight corners or crowded beds where air movement is restricted.

Soil Preparation:
Work compost into the planting area to improve fertility and drainage. Garden phlox appreciates enriched soil, but it must drain well to avoid root problems.

Spacing:
Space plants about 18–24 inches apart to allow for airflow and natural clump expansion. Proper spacing helps reduce mildew and keeps plants looking full but not crowded.

Watering:
Water deeply at planting time and continue to water regularly, especially during hot weather. Try to water at the base rather than overhead to help keep foliage dry.

Maintenance:

• Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering.

• Cut stems back after frost or in early spring.

• Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate plants and reduce disease stress.

Unique Characteristics of Garden Phlox That Make It Special

Garden phlox stands out for several reasons.

Tall, Colorful, and Scented

Few summer perennials combine height, color, and fragrance as effectively as garden phlox. The sweet scent and bold flower clusters make it a star in mid- to late-summer borders.

Nectar Powerhouse

All phlox species are known for their nectar production, and garden phlox is no exception. Its tubular florets are perfectly shaped for butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, making it a key plant in live, buzzing summer gardens.

Mildew-Resistant Choices

Although older varieties often suffered from powdery mildew, many newer cultivars are significantly more resistant. Gardeners now have options that maintain dark green foliage and strong bloom even in humid summers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is garden phlox native?

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is native to parts of eastern North America but has been widely cultivated and naturalized beyond its original range. Many garden varieties are selections or hybrids based on this species.

Does garden phlox attract hummingbirds and pollinators?

Yes. Garden phlox is excellent for pollinators. Its fragrant, tubular flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, moths, bees, and hummingbirds, especially in mid to late summer.

How much sun does garden phlox need?

Garden phlox performs best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light per day. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help keep plants healthy and flowers from scorching, but too much shade may reduce flowering and increase mildew.

Will garden phlox come back every year?

Yes. Garden phlox is a herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in winter and re-sprouts from the root system each spring. With good care and occasional division, plants can persist and bloom for many years.

How do I prevent powdery mildew on garden phlox?

To reduce powdery mildew:

• Choose mildew-resistant cultivars.

• Provide good air circulation by proper spacing and thinning crowded stems.

• Avoid overhead watering and water early in the day if foliage gets wet.

• Remove and discard heavily infected foliage at season’s end.

Can I grow garden phlox in containers?

Yes. Garden phlox can be grown in large containers with rich, well-draining potting mix. Choose mildew-resistant varieties, provide full sun, and water regularly so the soil stays evenly moist. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering and feeding than those in the ground.

Conclusion

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a summer superstar that brings tall, fragrant flower clusters, vibrant color, and exceptional pollinator value to sunny gardens. Its blooms attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, while improved cultivars make it easier to grow than ever, even in humid climates.

By planting garden phlox in fertile, well-drained soil, giving it consistent moisture, and choosing disease-resistant varieties, you can enjoy weeks of sweetly scented flowers every summer. Whether you’re building a pollinator haven, a cottage-style border, or a colorful backyard display, garden phlox more than earns its place as a midseason highlight.

Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a sturdy native perennial prized for its spires of white, tubular flowers and upright, architectural form. The blooms, often blushed with soft pink or violet at the throat, rise above clumps of green or burgundy-tinged foliage and sway gently in early summer breezes. This plant brings a clean vertical accent to meadows, borders, and prairie-style plantings while offering rich nectar to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Native to central and eastern North America, foxglove beardtongue thrives in a wide range of conditions, from roadsides and open woods to dry prairies and garden borders. It’s remarkably adaptable, handling everything from average garden beds to lean, dry soils, which makes it a reliable backbone plant in low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly designs.

Key Characteristics

• Height: Typically 2–4 feet tall, depending on soil and cultivar

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

• Light Requirements: Full sun to light partial shade

• Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils; dry to medium moisture

• Zones: Generally hardy in USDA zones 3–8

The upright stems carry loose spikes of trumpet-shaped flowers that resemble small foxgloves—hence the common name “foxglove beardtongue.” Foliage ranges from green to rich burgundy in popular cultivars like ‘Husker Red’ and ‘Dark Towers,’ adding season-long color and texture even when the plant is not in bloom. Strong stems and a clumping habit make it a natural fit for prairie-style borders, pollinator gardens, and mixed native plantings.

Why Foxglove Beardtongue Is Attractive to Hummingbirds

Foxglove beardtongue is a classic hummingbird plant for sunny gardens. Its tubular flowers are perfectly sized for hummingbird bills and tongues, allowing birds to reach nectar efficiently while brushing against the pollen-bearing anthers. This shape makes hummingbirds effective pollinators for Penstemon species and encourages repeat visits.

The bloom time—late spring into early summer—adds important continuity to your nectar supply. Just as early spring flowers begin to fade and before summer powerhouses peak, foxglove beardtongue steps in with abundant nectar. When planted in generous drifts or combined with other tubular, nectar-rich natives such as columbines, bee balms, salvias, and agastaches, it becomes part of a continuous nectar corridor that supports hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies throughout the growing season.

Natural Habitat and Growing Conditions

In the wild, foxglove beardtongue grows in open woods, prairies, meadows, roadsides, and clearings. It’s adapted to plenty of sun and well-drained soils, often thriving where competition is moderate and water doesn’t linger around the roots.

In gardens, it performs best when you provide similar conditions:

• Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours a day) produces the strongest stems and heaviest flowering. Light partial shade is tolerated, especially in hot climates.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and tolerates clay, loam, or sand. It’s happy in average garden soil and can also handle leaner, rocky ground if drainage is good.

• Moisture: Handles dry to medium moisture levels once established. Constantly wet or very rich soils can lead to weaker growth and shorter-lived plants.

Because it’s tolerant of poorer soils and drought, foxglove beardtongue is well suited to low-input landscapes, slopes, rain garden edges, and tough, sunny spots where fussier perennials struggle.

Care and Maintenance

Foxglove beardtongue is generally easy to grow and needs minimal care once established.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season to help roots establish. After that, average rainfall is usually enough, with occasional deep watering during extended droughts.

• Feeding: In most garden soils, little or no fertilizer is needed. Too much fertility can produce lush foliage at the expense of flowers and may shorten the plant’s life. A light top-dressing of compost in spring is usually plenty.

• Deadheading: Removing spent flower spikes tidies the plant and can encourage a small amount of rebloom, though the main flush is in early summer.

• Cutting back: After flowering and seed set, you can cut stems back to a basal rosette to keep the clump neat and encourage fresh foliage.

Under good conditions, foxglove beardtongue is a relatively long-lived penstemon, especially when grown in well-drained, not overly rich soil.

Ecological Benefits

As a native perennial, foxglove beardtongue brings significant ecological value to pollinator and wildlife gardens.

• Pollinator magnet: Its tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, long-tongued bees, bumblebees, and various butterflies, providing nectar and pollen in late spring and early summer.

• Wildlife support: Seed capsules can contribute to food resources in naturalistic plantings, and the foliage and stems offer structure and shelter for insects and other small creatures.

• Native integration: Being native across a broad region, it fits naturally into prairie, meadow, and savanna-style plantings, supporting local food webs when combined with other native species.

Used in combination with native grasses and forbs, foxglove beardtongue helps create resilient plant communities that are both beautiful and beneficial.

Why Grow Foxglove Beardtongue

Foxglove beardtongue is both ornamental and practical, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want structure, color, and wildlife value.

1. Striking Vertical Blooms

Tall, slender flower spikes give borders and meadows a strong vertical element without feeling heavy or stiff. White to pale-pink trumpets appear in abundance, catching the light and drawing the eye from a distance. The airy spires look especially attractive when repeated through a planting.

2. A Natural Fit for Prairie and Pollinator Gardens

This species is at home in prairie-style, meadow, and native plant gardens. It pairs beautifully with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, liatris, coreopsis, golden alexanders, spiderwort, and warm-season grasses. Together, they create layered, dynamic plantings with interest from spring into fall.

3. Tough, Adaptable, and Low-Maintenance

Once established, foxglove beardtongue tolerates heat, drought, and a wide range of soil types—as long as drainage is decent. It thrives with minimal inputs, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes, busy gardeners, and larger restoration-style plantings where you need reliable performers.

4. Foliage Interest from Burgundy Cultivars

Cultivars such as ‘Husker Red’, ‘Dark Towers’, ‘Blackbeard’, and others feature burgundy to purple-tinged foliage and stems. These selections add contrast and drama even when not in bloom, making them especially valuable in ornamental designs and mixed borders.

5. Supports Hummingbirds and Native Bees

Because it produces abundant nectar in accessible tubular flowers, foxglove beardtongue is an excellent plant for anyone wanting to support hummingbirds and native bees in sunny garden areas. It naturally complements other nectar-rich natives and helps ensure that your garden offers resources early in the pollinator season.

Planting Tips

Site Selection:
Choose a location with full sun for best results. Light partial shade is acceptable, particularly in hotter regions, but too much shade can reduce flowering and cause stems to lean.

Soil Preparation:
Ensure the soil drains well. In heavy clay, consider raised beds, adding compost, or planting on a slight slope. Foxglove beardtongue will adapt to many soil types, but prolonged soggy conditions are the main problem to avoid.

Spacing:
Space plants about 18–24 inches apart. This allows them to form attractive clumps and gives enough airflow to reduce disease pressure.

Watering:
Water thoroughly at planting and keep the soil evenly moist while plants establish. Later, water deeply but infrequently during dry spells rather than shallow sprinkling.

Maintenance:

• Deadhead if you prefer a tidy look and want to reduce self-seeding.

• Leave some seedheads in meadow-style plantings if you’d like a few volunteer seedlings.

• Cut back spent stems after bloom to a basal rosette for a neat summer appearance.

Unique Characteristics of Foxglove Beardtongue That Make It Special

Foxglove beardtongue offers several distinctive traits that set it apart from many other sun-loving perennials.

1. Distinctive Foxglove-Like Flowers

The tubular blossoms resemble miniature foxgloves, with a “bearded” lower lip that gives beardtongue its common name. That combination of form and function makes the flowers visually appealing and well-adapted to pollinators with long tongues.

2. Burgundy Foliage and Sturdy Stems

Modern cultivars with burgundy foliage add dramatic color contrast throughout the season. Even the straight species offers glossy green leaves and strong, upright stems that hold flower spikes aloft without heavy staking in most conditions.

3. Versatility in Garden Styles

Foxglove beardtongue transitions easily between prairie-inspired meadows, contemporary naturalistic plantings, traditional mixed borders, and even more formal front-yard beds. It looks equally at home weaving through grasses or anchoring a neat row in a pollinator border.

4. Native Resilience Without Foxglove Toxicity

Despite the species name “digitalis,” which refers to its resemblance to true foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), foxglove beardtongue does not share foxglove’s heart-toxic properties. It offers native resilience and adaptability without the same toxicity concerns, though, as with any ornamental, it’s still wise to discourage people and pets from chewing on plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is foxglove beardtongue native?

Yes. Penstemon digitalis is native to much of central and eastern North America, where it grows in prairies, open woods, meadows, and along roadsides and field edges. It’s an excellent choice for native plant, prairie, and meadow-style gardens.

Does foxglove beardtongue attract hummingbirds and pollinators?

Definitely. The tubular white flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, long-tongued bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. In late spring and early summer, it can be one of the busiest plants in a pollinator-friendly border.

How much sun does foxglove beardtongue need?

Foxglove beardtongue performs best in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct light per day. It tolerates light partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but stems may lean and flowering may be reduced in deeper shade.

Will foxglove beardtongue come back every year?

Yes. Penstemon digitalis is a perennial that returns from its root system each year under suitable conditions. Over time, it may also self-seed modestly, especially in naturalistic or prairie-style plantings, helping maintain a healthy population.

Is foxglove beardtongue poisonous?

Foxglove beardtongue is not the same as true foxglove (Digitalis), which is highly toxic. Penstemon species are generally not considered highly poisonous, but it’s still best practice to discourage pets and children from eating ornamental plants. If ingestion occurs and symptoms appear, contact a medical professional or veterinarian.

Can foxglove beardtongue grow in clay or poor soil?

Yes, as long as the soil drains reasonably well. Foxglove beardtongue tolerates clay, sandy, and rocky soils and often performs better in leaner ground than in very rich, wet conditions. Good drainage is more important than perfect soil.

Conclusion

Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a rugged yet elegant native perennial that brings vertical structure, luminous white blooms, and rich nectar to sunny gardens. Its tubular flowers are a boon to hummingbirds and native bees, while its adaptable nature makes it a dependable choice for prairie plantings, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance borders.

By planting foxglove beardtongue in full sun with well-drained soil and providing only modest care, you’ll enjoy reliable early-summer flower spikes, colorful foliage in select cultivars, and a steady stream of pollinator activity year after year. Whether you’re restoring a meadow, building a hummingbird haven, or adding structure to a mixed border, this native beardtongue earns its place in the landscape.

A few additions that will make any garden more hummingbird friendly

Provide nesting materials like cotton or plant fibers. You can place these materials in suet cages or spread them around your garden.

A major component of any successful hummingbird garden is a dependable hummingbird feeder that is easy to take apart and clean and doesn’t leak.

One of the best Hummingbird feeders that’s easy to take apart and clean is the HummZinger Ultra.

Aspects 12oz HummZinger Ultra With Nectar Guard.

The HummZinger Ultra 12oz Saucer Feeder is one of the best options for a hummingbird feeder that’s both easy to clean and maintain. This top-tier feeder features patented Nectar Guard tips—flexible membranes on the feeding ports that keep flying insects out while still allowing hummingbirds to feed freely. Plus, it comes with an integrated ant moat to prevent crawling insects from reaching the nectar, and the raised flower ports help divert rain, keeping the nectar fresh.

With a 12 oz capacity, this mid-size feeder offers plenty of space and can be hung or mounted on a post using the included hardware. It has four feeding ports and is made from durable, unbreakable polycarbonate. Whether you’re concerned about bees, wasps, or ants, this feeder is built for easy cleaning and insect protection.

If you already have a hummingbird feeder, and you want to protect it from ants and other crawling insects, the ant moat below will do the job.

Trap-It Ant Moat for Hummingbird Feeders

Using an ant moat for your hummingbird feeder is an effective way to keep ants away from the sweet nectar. These tiny creatures are drawn to

the sugar water, and without a barrier, they will quickly infest your feeder, preventing the birds from enjoying the nectar. An ant moat works by creating a barrier of water that ants can’t cross. Positioned above the feeder, it effectively blocks the ants’ path, keeping them from reaching the nectar.

This simple solution also ensures that your hummingbird feeder remains clean and accessible for the birds, rather than becoming a breeding ground for ants or other pests. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy, inviting space for hummingbirds, while also reducing the need for chemical ant deterrents.

The first and still the best to protect your Hummingbird and Oriole feeder from ants and other crawling insects. Insert between hanger and feeder and fill with  water, providing a barrier to crawling pests. Red color to attract hummingbirds.

In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need water and safe spaces to rest. By providing a birdbath or misting system, you can ensure they have everything they need.

Water Sources

Hummingbirds enjoy fresh water to drink and bathe. A shallow birdbath with a fine spray from a mister is ideal. Just make sure the water is changed regularly to keep it clean.
Here’s a solar powered bird bath.

Hummingbird misters at Amazon.com

Install shallow bird baths with gently sloping edges. Hummingbirds prefer water sources that are no more than 1-1.5 inches deep.

Consider adding a mister or dripper to create moving water, which attracts hummingbirds. They often enjoy flying through fine sprays of water.

 A hummingbird perch is a good way to attract hummingbirds to a particular spot near your feeder

Use Songbird Essentials Nectar Aid Self Measuring Pitcher and never measure ingredients again. Make any amount and the ingredients are measured for you.

Column 2

Nectar Fortress™ Natural Ant Repellent

CREATED FOR HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS: Stop ants fast and keep them away from the bird feeder altogether. Use it on poles or hooks and create a barrier with a scent ants hate. Useful with ant moats or eliminate the moat entirely.

C’ANT, Ant and Bee Repellent for Hummingbird Nectar Feeders and Outdoor Bird Seed Feeders – Works with Shepherds Hook and Ant Moat – 1 oz.

Hummingbird resources to help make your garden a success

Here’s a complete guide to attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It lists plants, vines and shrubs that are in bloom for spring, summer and fall. Your hummingbirds will always have flowers to feed on.

Here’s a great article that tells everything you need to know about how to choose the best place to hang your hummingbird feeder.

Here’s the best designed hummingbird feeder to use. It’s leak proof, so it won’t attract insects and it’s easy to take apart and clean.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you clean your hummingbird feeder for those times when the nectar is not changed soon enough and mold starts to grow.

More Hummingbird Resources

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Hummingbird Conservation
This site offers detailed information about various hummingbird species, their habitats, and conservation efforts. It also provides resources on how to protect these fascinating birds.

National Park Service – Hummingbird Resources
The National Park Service offers insights into hummingbird species found in national parks, their behaviors, and their role in ecosystems, along with tips for observing them.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Birds: Hummingbirds
This resource provides educational materials on the role of hummingbirds in pollination and biodiversity, backed by scientific research and exhibits from the Smithsonian.