Penstemon buckleyi, commonly known as Buckley’s Beardtongue, is a semi-deciduous perennial subshrub or herb native to the prairies, plains, and grasslands of the Central USA, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters). Buckley’s Beardtongue has a clumping form with erect stems and lance-shaped leaves. During the summer, it produces showy spikes of tubular flowers that are predominantly blue to purple, with occasional white blossoms, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in border plantings and as a ground cover in areas with dry conditions. Buckley’s Beardtongue prefers full sun and requires well-drained soil. While it can tolerate low water conditions, moderate watering will promote more abundant flowering. It is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. There are no significant disease or pest issues, but watch for aphids and spider mites during hot, dry periods.CC BY-SA 4.0