Penstemon 'Blackbeard'

Penstemon 'Blackbeard': Midnight Spires

Striking and statuesque, Penstemon 'Blackbeard' brings an air of drama to the summer garden with its dark, smoky foliage and tall spikes of lilac-purple flowers. Deep eggplant-coloured stems and bronze-purple leaves contrast vividly with the tubular blooms that draw in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds from June into late summer. Compact and upright, this durable selection is highly tolerant of heat and drought, and performs well in both formal borders and wild, pollinator-friendly plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–90 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Lavender-purple
• Flowering Period: June to August
• Foliage: Deep purple-bronze
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: A bold vertical accent for sunny beds, prairie gardens, and mixed borders. Excellent for attracting pollinators and adding foliage contrast throughout the season. Its dark foliage pairs well with both cool and warm colour palettes, and its tidy habit makes it equally at home in design-focused or naturalistic settings.

Companion Plants: Pair with Achillea 'Sassy Summer Sangria', Allium 'Millenium', and Salvia 'Caradonna' for a dynamic mix of colour, texture, and pollinator appeal from early summer into fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Water regularly during establishment, then only in prolonged dry spells. Deadhead to encourage extended bloom. Leave stems standing through winter for visual interest and habitat, and cut back in early spring.

History: Developed by Walters Gardens, 'Blackbeard' is a standout in the beardtongue world for its unique combination of richly coloured foliage and abundant floral display, bred for ornamental performance and durability.

Final Thoughts: With its brooding foliage and luminous flowers, Penstemon 'Blackbeard' adds both structure and spark to the garden—proof that bold foliage and blooms can thrive side by side.