• A dense cluster of vivid blue, tubular flowers with slightly flared petal tips and deep purple throats, arranged around a tall flower stalk. The vibrant blossoms of Penstemon nitidus (Smooth Blue Beardtongue) glow against the muted background, showing off their rich color and delicate texture.
  • Two upright stems topped with thick clusters of bright blue, trumpet-shaped flowers standing out against the rocky ground. Smooth, pale green leaves line the sturdy stalks of Smooth Blue Beardtongue (Penstemon nitidus), giving the plant a striking appearance in the dry landscape.
  • A large, full plant covered in upright stalks bearing dense sprays of brilliant blue flowers, growing from a base of broad, silvery-green leaves. The Penstemon nitidus (Smooth Blue Beardtongue) thrives in a rocky slope, its blooms creating a vivid contrast against the stone backdrop.
  • A sprawling clump of Smooth Blue Beardtongue (Penstemon nitidus) in full bloom, with arching stems covered in rich blue-purple flowers rising above broad, grey-green basal leaves. The plant stands out brightly in a sunny, dry garden bed.
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Wild About Flowers

Penstemon nitidus - Smooth Blue Beardtongue

Penstemon nitidus - Smooth Blue Beardtongue

$6.75 CAD
$6.75 CAD
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Smooth Blue Beardtongue is a striking, early-blooming perennial that adds a vibrant splash of blue to prairies, grasslands, and rocky landscapes. Its sturdy stems support clusters of tubular flowers, providing a vital nectar source for native solitary bees and other pollinators. Hummingbirds feed on its nectar, drawn to the tubular blooms, and butterflies may visit occasionally. Well-suited to sunny, dry gardens, rock gardens, and crevice type plantings, it is a standout choice for both urban and rural spaces.

Thriving in dry, rocky soils, Smooth Blue Beardtongue is a resilient and showy wildflower, ideal for xeriscapes, prairie plantings, and self-sustaining landscapes. Cold-hardy and long-lived, it is an excellent, low-maintenance choice for drought-prone environments. The thick, waxy, blue-green leaves not only enhance its drought tolerance but also make it moderately deer-resistant.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Intermediate
Growing Difficulty: Beginner
Speed of Growth:
Age to First Bloom:

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seeds Per Package: 20

Light Conditions

  • Sun

Soil Conditions

  • Dry
  • Sandy
  • Gravelly
  • Well Drained

Height

  • Under 12"
  • 12" - 24"

Width

  • Under 6"
  • Under 12"

Bloom Colour

  • Blue

Month of Bloom

  • June
  • July

Vigorousness

  • Moderate
  • Fast

Deer Resistance

  • Moderate

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native to western North America, including AB, SK, and BC, and extending into the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of the U.S.. It is commonly found in prairies, dry grasslands, foothills, and open rocky slopes, thriving in well-drained, sunny locations.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Penstemon nitidus has no widely documented medicinal or edible uses.