Penstemon

California Native Penstemons – commonly called “Beard Tongues” due to the tiny hairs that line the throat of each flower – are some of the most beautiful flowers for the drought-tolerant garden. Excluding numerous hybrids and selections, there are over 50 native Penstemon species and sub-species. Historically, Native American tribes have used Penstemons to aid in a variety of illnesses and diseases. In more recent years, designers and gardeners have developed a strong passion for these wonderful, and in most cases, easy to grow beauties that attract hummingbirds when blooming. Native Penstemons are considered incredibly drought tolerant once established. All prefer full sun, but species tolerant of desert heat are quite happy in filtered to part sun. Native Penstemons perform best in sandy, well-drained soils, though P. palmeri will tolerate clay soil if little to no irrigation is applied. Native Penstemons have brightly colored flowers that vary from shades of blue and purple to vivid reds and orangereds. Foliage colors can be gray, gray-green, blue-gray and deep green. The leaf shapes and textures vary among species; some are boat shaped with serrated margins, while others have long, narrow, delicate or small round leaves. All bloom profusely in the spring and early summer months. Some, such as Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Margarita BOP,’ bloom profusely for 4-6 months with irrigation. During the spring months you can see P. spectablis blooming on some freeway hill sides - a beautiful show!

REQUIREMENTS: Full to part sun. Most require little to no supplemental watering after established. P. heterophyllus ‘Margarita BOP’ prefers low to moderate water to perform well in the summer months. All are virtually pest/disease free. In warm, wet weather some may develop mildew in partially shaded areas.

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  • Penstemon centranthifolius 1g
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    Penstemon centranthifolius 1g

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    Native to dry slopes along the central and southern California coast, Penstemon centranthifolius is notable for its glaucous blue-grey foliage and 3 to 4 foot tall spikes of tubular, scarlet red flowers. Flowers bloom mid spring into mid summer and are...
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  • Penstemon eatonii 1g
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    Penstemon eatonii 1g

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    A perennial native to the western United States and southern California high deserts, Firecracker Penstemon grows in small mounds of cupped, lanceolate foliage that bear tall spikes of tubular, scarlet red flowers in spring and summer. Needs good...
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    Penstemon palmeri 1g

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    Native to dry, inland mountain ranges, Penstemon palmeri is useful for bringing color to desert gardens. Features glaucus blue foliage and blooms in spring with dramatic stalks of large-mouthed flowers. Flowers are pale pink to lavender with dark stripes...
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  • Penstemon pseudospectabilis flower close-up
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    Penstemon pseudospectabilis 1g

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    Desert Penstemon is native to southwestern United States where it grows in inland deserts and plateaus. It forms a shrub up to 3 feet wide and tall with large, serrated, blue-green foliage, similar to Penstemon spectabilis. Blooms mid to late spring with...
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  • Penstemon spectabilis 1g
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    Penstemon spectabilis 1g

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    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...
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