Penstemon, Rock Candy Purple - Trio of plants

The Rock Candy series of Penstemon barbatus, or beardtongue, is a trio of pint-sized perennials that’ll sweeten up your Indiana Zone 6a garden with more charm than a candy store on free-sample day! These compact cuties—‘Blue,’ ‘Purple,’ and ‘Ruby’—are perfect for gardeners who want big blooms without the big fuss. They thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily), because shade’s for shrinking violets, not these sun-soaked show-offs. Let’s unwrap the details on each variety and see why they’re a Hoosier gardener’s dream!

‘Rock Candy Purple’ struts in with royal flair, hitting the same 8-12 inches tall and wide. Its glossy green leaves set the stage for late spring’s deep purple flowers with white throats—like a floral lollipop with a surprise center. Blooming heavily through early summer and reblooming with a trim, it’s a pollinator magnet that’ll have bees buzzing like they’ve hit the jackpot. Drought tolerant and heat-loving, it laughs off Indiana’s dry spells, needing only well-drained soil to keep its roots happy—soggy’s a no-no! Deer-resistant and Zone 6a hardy, it’s a low-maintenance gem that’ll have your neighbors bowing to your gardening prowess.

The Rock Candy series of Penstemon barbatus, or beardtongue, is a trio of pint-sized perennials that’ll sweeten up your Indiana Zone 6a garden with more charm than a candy store on free-sample day! These compact cuties—‘Blue,’ ‘Purple,’ and ‘Ruby’—are perfect for gardeners who want big blooms without the big fuss. They thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily), because shade’s for shrinking violets, not these sun-soaked show-offs. Let’s unwrap the details on each variety and see why they’re a Hoosier gardener’s dream!