Widespread in the southern California chaparral, scrub, and woodland communities, Showy Penstemon is an evergreen perennial notable for its large, sharply-toothed leaves and violet and electric blue flowers. Flowers naturally vary in color, taking on shades of lavender, dark purple, rose pink, and white. They bloom on 3 to 5 foot tall stalks in spring and early summer and are pollinated by hummingbirds. As it naturally grows on dry slopes and in washes, it prefers fast-draining, moderately fertile to poor soil. Too much organic matter and moisture will shorten its lifespan. Looks best in the back or middle of the bed due to its height and tendency to sprawl as it gets older. Plant in full sun to part shade inland. Water monthly or not at all after establishment. Cut stalks after flowers have passed or leave the seed to self-sow in your garden
- Common Name:
- Showy Penstemon
- Mature Height:
- 3-5'
- Mature Spread:
- 3-5'
- Exposure:
- Sun/Part Sun
- Growth:
- Evergreen
- Flower Color:
- Blue/Violet
- Soil:
- Well drained best
- Foliage Color:
- Grey/Green
- Flower Time:
- Spring
