Hairy Beardtongue
Planting Instructions
Here’s a comprehensive planting guide for Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue) for direct sowing outdoors (fall and spring) and starting seeds indoors for later transplanting in spring, designed for conditions across the USA.
🌿 Penstemon hirsutus Planting Instructions
Common Name: Hairy Beardtongue
Plant Type: Perennial wildflower
Native Range: Eastern and Central North America
Pollinator Value: Excellent — highly attractive to native bees, bumblebees, and early-season pollinators
☀️ Site Selection & Sunlight Requirements
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (6+ hours/day) but can tolerate light partial shade (especially in hotter climates).
Soil Type: Prefers well-drained sandy, rocky, or loamy soil.
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline; adaptable.
🌱 Soil Preparation
Loosen soil to a depth of 6–8 inches.
Remove grass, weeds, and debris.
Amend compacted or heavy soils with grit, sand, or compost to improve drainage.
Avoid nutrient-rich or moisture-retentive soil; this plant prefers lean, dry soil.
🌾 Direct Sowing Outdoors – Fall or Spring
Fall Sowing (Recommended)
When: After the first frost but before ground freezes.
Why: Mimics natural conditions and provides cold moist stratification over winter.
How:
Scatter seeds over prepared soil.
Press seeds lightly into surface — do not bury deeply.
Optional: Cover lightly with fine soil or grit (1/16 inch).
Let winter precipitation and temperature changes stratify the seeds naturally.
Spring Sowing
When: After last frost or early spring.
Stratification: Required if sowing in spring — seeds need cold moist stratification for 30–60 days for good germination.
How:
Sow stratified seeds onto prepared soil surface and press in lightly.
Lightly cover with soil (no deeper than 1/16 inch).
Keep soil moist until germination (typically 10–30 days depending on temperature and stratification quality).
🌱 Indoor Seed Starting for Spring Transplanting
When to Start Indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost
Stratification: Yes — essential for good germination
Cold moist stratify seeds for 30–60 days before sowing.
Mix seeds with moist sand, peat, or vermiculite and place in a plastic bag in the refrigerator at 34–40°F.
Scarification: Not required
Sowing Indoors:
Sow on surface of seed-starting mix and press seeds in — do not cover deeply.
Provide bright light; germination is light-dependent.
Maintain indoor temperature around 65–75°F.
Germination occurs in 2–4 weeks after stratification.
Transplanting Outdoors: Harden off seedlings for 5–7 days before transplanting into full sun, well-drained location after frost risk passes.
💧 Watering
During Germination & Establishment: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
After Establishment: Drought tolerant — water only in prolonged dry spells.
Avoid overwatering; prefers dry soil once established.
✂️ Maintenance Tips
Very low maintenance once established.
Deadheading is optional but may extend blooming.
Cut back old stems in late fall or early spring.
Do not mulch heavily — prefers open, well-aerated soil surface.
Dividing plants every 3–4 years can promote vigor and prevent overcrowding.
❌ Is it Invasive?
Not invasive.
May self-seed lightly but does not spread aggressively.
Easy to manage and ideal for native plant gardens, rock gardens, and dry meadows.
🌸 Other Notes
Blooms early to mid-summer, providing nectar during a gap in many native flower cycles.
Pairs well with other drought-tolerant natives like:
Coreopsis, Liatris, Monarda, Ratibida columnifera, Echinacea, Prairie grasses
Great for prairie restorations, butterfly gardens, xeriscapes, and dry slopes.
