Colorado Beardtongue: A Rare Gem for Rocky Mountain Gardens
If you’re looking to add some authentic southwestern flair to your native plant garden, Colorado beardtongue (Penstemon auriberbis) might just be the hidden treasure you’ve been searching for. This perennial wildflower brings the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountain region right to your backyard, though you’ll need to do a bit of detective work to track it down!
What Makes Colorado Beardtongue Special?
Colorado beardtongue is a true native son of the American Southwest, naturally occurring in Colorado and New Mexico. As a member of the beloved Penstemon genus, it shares the family trait of producing tubular flowers that pollinators absolutely adore. This herbaceous perennial grows as what botanists call a forb – basically a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year.
Unlike its showier cousins that you’ll find at every garden center, Penstemon auriberbis is something of a botanical introvert. It’s not widely cultivated, which makes it all the more special when you do encounter it in the wild or manage to add it to your garden.
Why Choose Colorado Beardtongue for Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. Colorado beardtongue is what you might call the rare book of the Penstemon world. While most of its relatives are well-documented garden darlings, this particular species keeps a lower profile. That means:
- You’ll have a truly unique native plant that few gardeners can claim
- You’ll be supporting regional biodiversity by growing a local native
- You’ll likely attract specialized pollinators adapted to this specific species
- Your garden will have an authentic connection to Colorado and New Mexico’s natural heritage
The Challenge of Growing Colorado Beardtongue
Here’s the honest truth: finding reliable information about growing Penstemon auriberbis is like searching for a needle in a haystack. This species doesn’t appear in most standard native plant guides, which suggests it might be quite rare or have a very limited natural range.
If you’re determined to grow this particular beardtongue, your best bet is to:
- Contact local native plant societies in Colorado or New Mexico
- Reach out to regional botanists or herbarium specialists
- Connect with specialized native plant nurseries in the Southwest
- Consider participating in seed collection programs (with proper permits)
Alternative Beardtongues to Consider
While you’re on the hunt for Colorado beardtongue, why not explore some of its better-known relatives? The Penstemon genus offers dozens of stunning options that are easier to source and grow:
- Penstemon barbatus (Scarlet beardtongue) – a red-flowered showstopper
- Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain penstemon) – perfect purple spikes
- Penstemon grandiflorus (Large beardtongue) – impressive lavender blooms
- Penstemon palmeri (Palmer’s penstemon) – fragrant pink flowers
Growing Tips for Success
While specific growing information for Penstemon auriberbis is scarce, most penstemons share similar preferences. If you do manage to get your hands on seeds or plants, try these general guidelines:
- Provide excellent drainage – these plants hate soggy feet
- Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight
- Use lean, rocky, or sandy soil rather than rich garden soil
- Water sparingly once established – drought tolerance is their superpower
- Avoid heavy mulching, which can trap moisture around the crown
The Bottom Line
Colorado beardtongue represents the exciting frontier of native plant gardening – those lesser-known species that challenge us to dig deeper and connect more authentically with our local ecosystems. While it may not be the easiest plant to source or grow, the journey of discovery can be just as rewarding as the destination.
Whether you end up growing Penstemon auriberbis or one of its more accessible cousins, you’ll be joining a community of gardeners who understand that sometimes the most meaningful plants are the ones that make us work a little harder to appreciate their unique beauty.
