Penstemon bradburyi, commonly known as Bradbury’s beardtongue, is a perennial herb native to the central United States, particularly in the Great Plains region. It typically grows 16-47 inches high and features a clumping form with large, smooth, lance-shaped leaves. From late spring to early summer (April to July), it produces showy spikes of tubular flowers that range in color from blue to pinkish-blue, attracting pollinators such as bumblebees and hummingbirds. The flowers are particularly notable for their size and the striking contrast they provide against the foliage.

Bradbury’s beardtongue is valued for its drought tolerance and is a popular choice for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water. It thrives in sandy or calcareous soils found in prairies, oak savannas, and open woods, making it well-suited for naturalistic plantings and wildflower gardens. This species is resistant to deer and slugs, adding to its appeal for gardeners dealing with these common pests. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soil, full sun to part shade, and minimal maintenance once established. While it is fire-adapted, which allows it to survive and even thrive after wildfires, it is not known to be invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0