Penstemon Seeds (Heirloom)

The best heirloom penstemon to attract hummingbirds

All of our favorite flowers and veggies are indigenous to some part of the world, and penstemon is native to North America. These flowers, sometimes known as Beardtoungue, resemble foxgloves but are less fussy about their growth requirements. It's no surprise that humans and hummingbirds alike are drawn to these trumpet-shaped blossoms, which come in hues of pink, purple, blue, and white.

Heirloom penstemon as a ground cover

Heirloom penstemon blooms after spring bulbs and before summer flowers, so include them in your garden for early summer blossoms. Penstemon grow well in sun-lit, rich, well-draining soil. Once established, these semi-arid perennials are drought resistant and will gladly grow two to three feet tall. Heirloom penstemon makes a wonderful ground cover and, because it doesn't mind a variety of soils, is an excellent choice for preventing erosion on slopes.

How to grow heirloom penstemon

Penstemon seeds can be started indoors or directly sown, although they benefit from stratification, or a period of cold exposure, before germinating. As a result, in temperate zones, plant your heirloom penstemon in the fall or chill the seed for a few months before growing them inside in late winter. Once your seedlings are in the garden, cover them to keep weeds at bay and give them approximately an inch of water every week. Except for modifying the soil at the time of planting, fertilizer should be avoided.

Companion plants for heirloom penstemon

Plant native blooming perennials in your yard to benefit yourself and the environment! Plant heirloom penstemon with other flowering perennials like echinacea and rudbeckia, and watch as native pollinators feast on your garden throughout the season. Pollinators need food, and pollinators make your vegetable yield much more abundant. After all, it's not a bad investment.

There are three gorgeous heirloom penstemon varieties to pick from at Eden Brothers. There's an option for everyone, whether you want to create your own color palette or prefer a pre-made combination.

For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting heirloom penstemon seed, see the Penstemon Seeds Planting Guide.