Penstemon spp
Penstemon
Beard-tonguePlant Facts
Scientific Name | Penstemon spp |
Principal Common Name | Penstemon |
Common Name(s) | Beard-Tongue |
Synonym | |
Description | There are more than 250 species and most all are native to the west from Canada to Mexico. Evergreen perennials and shrubs with tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers, most commonly in shades of red and blue, but also pink, salmon, rose, lilac, purple, peach, white and yellow. The individual blossoms are fairly large and are presented in dense spikes from late spring until fall that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Most penstemons tolerate alkaline or chalky soils, and poor, rocky soils often produce the sturdiest specimens. Provide full sun, or light shade inland, and fast drainage with moderate water. Replace plants every 3 to 5 years for renewed vigor. Most are hardy to 0F. |
General Comments | |
Origin | |
Nativity | North America |
Height Range | 1 - 4 FT |
Spread Range | 1 - 3 FT |
Flower Showy | Y |
Warning | |
Sunset Zones | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 : 7 : 8 : 9 : 10 : 11 : 12 : 13 : 14 : 15 : 16 : 17 : 18 : 19 : 20 : 21 : 22 : 23 : 24 |
USDA Zones | 1 : 2a : 2b : 3a : 3b : 4a : 4b : 5a : 5b : 6a : 6b : 7a : 7b : 8a : 8b : 9a : 9b : 10a : 10b : 11 |
Leaf Color | Medium Green |
Leaf Texture | Smooth : Strap-like |
Form | Shrub : Subshrub |
Flower Color | Blue : Deep rose : Lavender : Lavender-purple : Peach : Pink : Purple : Red : Salmon : White : Yellow |
Flower Time | Summer |
Months | |
Ease of Growing | Easy |
Light Preferences | Sun (minimum 8 hours direct sun) : Partial Shade |
Soil Preferences | Well-drained |
Watering Preferences | Medium : Sparse |
Outstanding Features | Attracts Bees : Attracts Birds : Attracts Butterflies : Cut Flower : Drought tolerant : Flower |
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