Penstemon
Penstemon or Foxglove Beardtongue, opens the summer season with white flower towers made for bumblebees, butterflies and the occasional hummingbird. Its leaves raise chalcedony midget and Saunders’ sallow moth caterpillars, adding insects to the menu for birds, while its adaptable roots put ordinary garden rainfall to work.
Planting Guide
Zones: 3–8
Blooms: May–Jul
Water: Dry-Wet
Light: Sun to Part Shade
Height: 2’–5’
Width: 1’–2’
Wildlife and Garden Benefits
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The Mediocre Gardener is a community-led movement that aims to inspire people to plant native, garden with nature, and strengthen independent garden centers — one yard at a time.
What does it mean to be a Mediocre Gardener?
It means you don’t wait until you know everything before you begin. It means you plant what works where you live, choose plants that give back to the earth, and allow your garden to evolve over time.
Mediocre is not careless. It’s accessible.
Mediocrity is imperfect, achievable, and meaningful. You don’t need a landscape architect or a master plan to participate. You need the right plants in the right place, along with a little guidance and support. That’s what we’re here for.
