How big does Foxglove beardtongue grow?

About 1 m × 50 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.5 m × 45–60 cm.

What soil does Foxglove beardtongue grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Foxglove beardtongue hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Foxglove beardtongue toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

How much water does Foxglove beardtongue need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Foxglove beardtongue cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €11 in local shops, depending on size.

Foxglove beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis

Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a perennial that reaches 1 m × 50 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Foxglove beardtongue — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

In early summer stiff, upright stems rise from a low rosette of leaves, carrying loose spikes of white tubular flowers that bees and bumblebees love. In sun and well-drained soil it is an undemanding, tough perennial that copes with short dry spells; the forms most often planted have dark red leaves and stems. Keep it out of waterlogged ground, and expect the clump to thin out after a few years, although it usually replaces itself from seed.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. Its weak point is soil that stays wet and airless in winter, where the crown rots, so loosen the planting spot on heavy ground. It is fairly short-lived and worth renewing every few years by division or from its seedlings; cut off the spent stems if you do not want it to self-sow. The dark-leaved cultivars only colour well in full sun. Slugs and snails may chew the young shoots.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1 m × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1 m × 50 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.5 m × 45–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	May–July, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €5 – €11

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Plants that are non-toxic to children Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials

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