Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Margarita BOP’ (Margarita BOP Beardtongue) 1g

Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Margarita BOP’

Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Margarita BOP’, commonly known as Margarita BOP Foothill Penstemon, is a selected form of Penstemon heterophyllus, a California native perennial found in foothill, chaparral, grassland, and open woodland habitats. This cultivar originated as a seedling in the Las Pilitas Nursery garden in Santa Margarita, California in the early 1980s. The name refers to Santa Margarita and “BOP,” meaning “Bottom of Porch,” where the original seedling grew. It is grown for its compact habit, narrow foliage, long spring-to-summer bloom season, and blue-to-purple tubular flowers.

Quick Facts

Botanical Name: Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Margarita BOP’
Common Name: Margarita BOP Foothill Penstemon, Foothill Beardtongue Selection
Plant Type: California native cultivar; evergreen perennial
Mature Size: Approximately 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Water: Low to moderate; infrequent irrigation once established
Soil: Adaptable, with best performance in well-drained soils
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Flower Color: Blue to purple, with color influenced by soil, sun exposure, irrigation, season, and plant-to-plant variation
Wildlife Value: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Cold Hardiness: Hardy to approximately 15°F
Landscape Uses: Native gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, parkways, containers, rock gardens, slopes, banks, and low-water landscapes

Habit and Size

Forms a low evergreen mound approximately 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, with narrow green to blue-green foliage and upright flowering stems. In spring and summer, plants produce tubular flowers in shades of blue, violet, and purple. Flower color can vary with soil, sunlight, irrigation, season, and individual plants. The flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Cultural Requirements

Performs best in full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types provided drainage is adequate. Low to moderate irrigation is appropriate during establishment, with infrequent deep watering once plants are established. In heavier soils or irrigated landscapes, avoid frequent summer watering and prolonged wet conditions. Well suited to Southern California landscapes, including coastal gardens, inland valleys, native plantings, pollinator gardens, containers, parkways, and low-water plantings. Light afternoon shade may improve appearance in hot inland locations.

Landscape Uses

Useful in California native gardens, pollinator gardens, mixed perennial plantings, rock gardens, dry borders, parkways, containers, slopes, and banks. Its compact size makes it suitable for foreground plantings, small gardens, mass plantings, and seasonal color in low-water landscapes. It is one of the most commonly planted foothill penstemon cultivars and is useful where a durable, flowering California native perennial is needed for residential or habitat-oriented landscapes.

Identification Note

Distinguished by its compact habit, narrow foliage, and blue-to-purple flowers that can vary noticeably with growing conditions. Compared with Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Electric Blue’, ‘Margarita BOP’ generally shows more variable blue, violet, and purple flower tones rather than a consistently clear blue presentation.

Pests and Cultural Considerations

Generally low maintenance when planted in well-drained soil. Root and crown problems can develop where drainage is poor or irrigation is excessive, particularly during warm weather. Plants may be lightly trimmed after flowering to remove spent stems, improve appearance, and encourage fresh growth. Avoid heavy fertilization, overly rich soils, and frequent summer irrigation, which can reduce longevity and produce weak growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Margarita BOP’ native to California?
‘Margarita BOP’ is a selected form of Penstemon heterophyllus, a California native species. The cultivar itself is a horticultural selection.

Where did ‘Margarita BOP’ originate?
‘Margarita BOP’ originated as a seedling in the Las Pilitas Nursery garden in Santa Margarita, California in the early 1980s. The name refers to Santa Margarita and “BOP,” meaning “Bottom of Porch,” where the original seedling grew.

How large does Margarita BOP Foothill Penstemon grow?
Plants typically grow about 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, forming a compact evergreen mound with upright flowering stems.

What color are the flowers?
Flowers range from blue to violet and purple. Flower color can vary with soil, sunlight, irrigation, season, and individual plant differences.

When does ‘Margarita BOP’ bloom?
Bloom is typically in spring and summer, with the heaviest flowering usually occurring from spring into early summer in Southern California.

Does Margarita BOP Foothill Penstemon attract hummingbirds?
Yes. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

How much water does ‘Margarita BOP’ need?
It performs best with low to moderate irrigation during establishment and infrequent deep watering once established. Avoid frequent summer irrigation, especially in heavy or poorly drained soils.

Can ‘Margarita BOP’ grow in containers?
Yes. Its compact habit makes it suitable for containers, provided the potting mix drains well and plants are not kept overly wet.

Should it be cut back after flowering?
Light trimming after bloom can improve appearance, remove spent flower stems, and encourage fresh growth. Avoid severe pruning into older woody growth.

What problems should be avoided?
Poor drainage, excessive irrigation, overly rich soils, and heavy fertilization can reduce plant longevity and lead to weak growth or root and crown problems.