Common Name: Beardtongue
Named after two polar opposite colours of gemstones, onyx is in reference to its dark foliage and pearls refer to its soft lavender flowers with white interiors. From a distance, the flowers look white. Compared to 'Blackbeard', this is a taller, fuller plant with lighter coloured flowers.
Like all of our Penstemons, this one takes the heat and humidity in stride but is also very cold hardy. It continues to provide terrific colours in the landscape all season long.
Penstemons should be grown in full sun and very well-drained soil to avoid root rot. Soil fertility need only be average, but a light mulch in winter is recommended. Use Penstemons in the border, for naturalizing, and for cut flowers.