Penstemon: Colorful Perennials for Your Garden

Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a diverse group of perennial flowers from North America. With over 250 types, they are getting more popular for gardens that need to be water-wise. These tough plants do well in hot, dry places and poor soil. They’re perfect for rock gardens and xeriscaping.

Many penstemon types are made for the dry areas of the American West and Southwest. They add a burst of color to tough landscapes. Gardeners love them for drawing in hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Penstemon varieties can fit many climates and soils across North America.

Key Takeaways

• Penstemon is a diverse genus of perennial flowers native to North America, with over 250 varieties available.
• These hardy plants thrive in hot, dry conditions and lean soil, making them ideal for drought-tolerant landscaping and rock gardens.
• Many penstemon species are adapted to the arid regions of the American West and Southwest.
• Penstemons attract pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making them essential additions to pollinator gardens.
• Penstemon varieties are adaptable, with species suited to a range of climates and soil conditions across North America.

Introduction to Penstemon: A Diverse Genus of Flowering Plants

Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, is a fascinating group of flowering plants. They have won the hearts of gardeners and wildflower lovers across North America. With over 250 species and many cultivars, penstemons come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes. They are perfect for any garden.

These perennials are not just beautiful. They also help bees and hummingbirds by providing food. This makes them a great choice for gardens.

Native Range and Adaptability

Penstemons are mainly from North America. They live in different places, from deserts to mountain meadows. In fact, there’s a native penstemon for almost every state in the continental U.S.

This makes them ideal for gardeners who want to use native plants or practice xeriscaping in dry areas.

Variety of Colors and Growth Habits

Penstemons are known for their wide range of colors and growth styles. They come in soft pastels and bright colors like purple, blue, and red. Some even have bicolored or striped flowers, adding more beauty to gardens.

Their heights vary from 6 inches to 4 feet, depending on the type. This variety makes them versatile for any garden.

• Low-growing, mat-forming species for rock gardens or borders
• Mid-sized, bushy varieties for mass plantings or mixed perennial beds
• Tall, elegant species for back of the border or as vertical accents

“Penstemons are a treasure trove of beauty and diversity, offering something for every gardener and every garden.” – American Penstemon Society

Penstemons are perfect for any garden. They come in many colors, sizes, and styles. They adapt well to different climates and soils. Adding them to your garden supports pollinators and brings beauty.

Choosing the Right Penstemon Species for Your Garden

When picking the perfect penstemon for your garden, think about your climate and soil. With about 282 species to choose from, each has its own traits and fits well in certain areas. Picking native penstemons is a smart move because they need little soil work and water. They’re perfect for xeriscape landscaping and gardens that save water.

Consider Your Climate and Soil Conditions

Penstemons come in many types, each suited for different climates and soils. Some, like the Wasatch Beardtongue, do well in dry places, making them great for gardens that need to save water. Others, like the Foxglove Beardtongue, like more moisture, giving you more options for your garden.

Think about these things when picking penstemons:

• Your local climate, including temperature ranges and precipitation levels
• Soil type and drainage in your garden
• Sunlight exposure in the planting area
• Desired height and spread of the plants

Popular and Adaptable Penstemon Species

Some penstemon species are more adaptable and easy to find. These popular ones come in various colors, sizes, and growth habits. They fit well with different garden styles and places:

1. Common Beardtongue (Penstemon barbatus)
2. Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)
3. Foothill Penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus)
4. Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii)
5. Pink Snapdragon (Penstemon palmeri)
6. Pineleaf Penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius)
7. Mexicali Hybrids (Penstemon ×mexicali)
8. Rocky Mountain Beardtongue (Penstemon strictus)

These pollinator-friendly plants make your garden look beautiful and help local ecosystems by drawing in hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. By picking penstemon species that fit your climate and soil, you can have a garden that’s easy to care for and shows off the beauty of native and ornamental plants.

With the right penstemon species, you can have a garden that’s full of life and saves water. It will bloom from spring to summer, depending on where you live and the types you choose.

Common Beardtongue (Penstemon barbatus)

The Common Beardtongue (Penstemon barbatus) is a beautiful wildflower for dry areas. It has bright red, tube-shaped flowers that last from May to October. These flowers attract hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.

This plant is from the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. It loves dry soil and can grow up to 4 feet tall. It’s perfect for gardens in USDA zones 4-8, adding beauty and support for pollinators.

Penstemon barbatus is not only a beautiful addition to the garden but also serves an important ecological role as a native wildflower that supports pollinators like hummingbirds and native bees.

Here are key things to know about Common Beardtongue:

• Bloom Time: May through October
• Flower Color: Red, scarlet red, brilliant scarlet red
• Height: Up to 4 feet tall
• Light Requirement: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Moisture: Dry, well-drained soils
• Ethno-botanical uses: Historically used by indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes

Here’s how to care for your Penstemon barbatus:

1. Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny to partially shaded spot
2. Water deeply but not too often, as it’s drought-tolerant
3. Remove dead flowers to keep it blooming all season
4. Cut stems to the ground in late fall or early spring for a neat look

Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Foxglove beardtongue, also known as Penstemon digitalis, is a beautiful plant native to the northern Great Plains and northeastern U.S. states. It’s perfect for adding elegance to any garden. Unlike many others, it loves humidity and moist soil, making it versatile for different gardens.

Tolerance to Humidity and Moist Soil

Foxglove beardtongue stands out for its ability to grow in various conditions. While many prefer dry soil, this plant does well in moist conditions. This makes it great for gardens with high humidity or for those who want to use native plants.

This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, fitting many climates. It can grow 3 to 5 feet tall, adding height to your garden. Its ability to thrive in moist soil makes it useful in areas where other plants might struggle.

Elegant Trumpet-Shaped Flowers

The flowers of foxglove beardtongue are truly beautiful, shaped like trumpets. They come in white or pale pink and have a special guide to help pollinators find the nectar. This guide, in a deep violet color, makes the flowers stand out and attract many visitors.

The tubular flowers of Penstemon digitalis attract a variety of pollinators, including long-tongued bees such as honeybees, bumblebees, Miner bees, and Mason bees, as well as hummingbirds.

These flowers bloom from May to June, adding color and beauty to your garden during late spring and early summer. They bloom for about a month, giving you a long time to enjoy their beauty.

Foxglove beardtongue is perfect for gardeners who want to use native plants and add elegance to their gardens. Its ability to handle humidity and moist soil, along with its beautiful flowers, makes it a top choice.

Foothill Penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus)

Foothill Penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus) is a beautiful California native plant. It belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. This plant is native to California and grows well on slopes in different habitats. These include Yellow Pine Forest, Foothill Woodland, and Chaparral.

Its flowers are neon blue to purple, attracting hummingbirds. The flowers also draw butterflies and bees, making it great for prairie gardens. It grows compactly, making it a neat choice for gardens.

This plant is easy to care for and can survive with little water. It prefers drip irrigation and is perfect for gardens that save water. It’s a favorite in native and drought-friendly gardens.

Foothill Penstemon’s flowers bloom in May and June. They come in a beautiful color spectrum, from electric blue to deep purple. This makes any garden look stunning.

Here are some tips for taking care of Foothill Penstemon:

• Plant in full sun and well-draining soil
• Water weekly in summer, then less often as needed
• It grows about 18 inches tall and spreads out
• Let it spread on its own in grassy areas
• Use a ½ gallon per hour dripper for watering, especially in late July and August or when you’re away

This plant can handle temperatures from 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes about four years to get established after being moved. Nurseries include it in their propagation plans, so it’s easy to find for gardeners.

Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii)

The Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is a standout plant from the western United States. It ranges from California to the Rocky Mountains. This drought-tolerant plant has bright scarlet flowers that draw hummingbirds and other pollinators. It’s perfect for gardens that want to attract these birds.

Brilliant Red Hummingbird-Magnet Flowers

The Firecracker Penstemon is known for its vibrant, long flowers. Each stem has five to ten scarlet flowers, some over an inch long. These flowers bloom from March to August, adding color to your garden for months.

These flowers are a big draw for hummingbirds. So, the Firecracker Penstemon is great for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Evergreen Leathery Leaves

The Firecracker Penstemon also has tough, leathery leaves. These leaves stay green all year, adding interest to your garden. The plant grows 2-3 feet tall, perfect for rock gardens, desert gardens, and valleys.

The Firecracker Penstemon is more than just a pretty plant. It’s also important for bees and other insects. The Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society says it’s great for native bees and many butterflies.

Firecracker Penstemon is a hummingbird magnet, attracting these tiny, colorful birds to your garden with its brilliant red, tubular flowers.

Here are some tips for adding the Firecracker Penstemon to your garden:

• Plant in well-draining, gravelly soil in full sun
• Water sparingly once established, as this plant is highly drought-tolerant
• Propagate through stratified seeds or root division in late fall
• Pair with other drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly plants for a vibrant, low-maintenance garden

Pink Snapdragon (Penstemon palmeri)

Pink snapdragon (Penstemon palmeri) is a beautiful choice for gardens. It blooms for a long time and needs little upkeep. This plant has sweet-smelling light pink flowers that grow up to 6 feet tall. It’s perfect for dry areas and sandy soils, making it great for rock gardens.

Pink snapdragon is a hummingbird magnet. Its flowers are shaped just right for hummingbirds to get to the nectar. Adding P. palmeri to your garden brings beauty and a place for hummingbirds to eat.

The beauty of pink snapdragon lies not only in its flowers but also in its adaptability and resilience in dry, challenging conditions.

Penstemon palmeri fits well in USDA zones 5-8 and blooms in late spring. It’s great for low-maintenance gardens because it likes dry soil and needs little water once it’s grown.

When adding pink snapdragon to your garden, pair it with other plants that like dry conditions and attract hummingbirds. Its tall, upright look is perfect for the back of borders or as a main feature in rock gardens.

Pineleaf Penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius)

Pineleaf Penstemon is a lovely perennial flower that brightens any garden. It belongs to the plantaginaceae family. Its evergreen leaves look like pine needles, perfect for rock gardens and dry landscapes.

This plant blooms from mid-June to late August. It produces bright orange-red flowers that draw in hummingbirds and bees. It grows well in dry, sandy soils and needs full sun and some water in summer.

Evergreen Pine Needle-Like Foliage

Pineleaf Penstemon stands out with its evergreen leaves that look like tiny pine needles. These leaves add beauty all year round. The plant grows into a neat clump, about 8 to 10 inches tall and 12 to 15 inches wide.

This plant grows slowly but gets bigger with time. It does well in well-drained soils. It’s great for drought-resistant landscaping.

Bright Orange-Red Flowers

From mid-June to late August, Pineleaf Penstemon shows off its bright orange-red flowers. These flowers are a hit with hummingbirds and bees. The plant grows to about 6 to 8 inches tall when blooming.

There are many beautiful varieties of Pineleaf Penstemon. They come in different colors and sizes:

Pair Pineleaf Penstemon with other drought-tolerant plants for a beautiful garden. Consider adding blue fescue, Ericameria nauseosa, Erigeron coulteri, Melampodium leucanthum, Salvia azurea, and Zinnia grandiflora.

Penstemon pinifolius was named High Country Gardens’ 2016 Plant of the Year and a 2016 Green Thumb award-winner. It’s great for water-wise and pollinator-friendly gardens.

Pollination experts say Pineleaf Penstemon is a top choice for attracting native bees. It’s key for biodiverse and sustainable gardens.

Mexicali Hybrids (Penstemon ×mexicali)

Penstemon ×mexicali, also known as Mexicali penstemons, are beautiful plants. They come from mixing less-hardy Mexican plants with cold-tolerant North American ones. These plants love dry conditions and come in many bright colors. They’re great for rock gardens and mixed borders.

Mexicali penstemons are semi-evergreen shrubs that grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 8. They can grow 12 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 14 inches wide. This makes them perfect for gardens and containers.

Wide Range of Flower Colors

Mexicali penstemons have a wide range of flower colors. They cover the whole spectrum of penstemon colors. Some popular types include:

• Red Rocks® – Boasts stunning rosy-red flowers
• Pike’s Peak Purple® – Features eye-catching violet-purple blooms
• Shadow Mountain® – Displays elegant lavender-blue flowers
• Windwalker® Garnet – Showcases reddish to purplish blossoms
• Carolyn’s Hope – Offers delightful pink flowers

Cold-Tolerance and Showy Flowers

Mexicali penstemons are known for being cold-hardy and blooming for a long time. They start flowering in early summer and can keep going until August. They need at least six hours of sunlight a day and like soils that drain well but are not too wet.

These plants are also good for pollinators like bees, moths, and butterflies. They are deer-resistant, making them a great choice for gardeners who want to help local ecosystems.

With over 250 species of penstemons in North America, Mexicali hybrids are a top choice for gardeners. They offer beauty and toughness in their plants.

Rocky Mountain Beardtongue (Penstemon strictus)

The Rocky Mountain Beardtongue (Penstemon strictus) is a beautiful wildflower that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It’s a favorite among gardeners for its bright blue, purple, and violet flowers. These blooms appear from May to August. It’s a hardy plant that thrives in USDA zones 3 or 4, perfect for native gardening in colder areas.

This wildflower is native to parts of southern Wyoming, western Colorado, and other areas. It also grows in northeastern Arizona, northern New Mexico, and a small area in Mono County, California. It loves sandy or rocky soils and is often grown in dry areas for its beautiful flowers and toughness.

The Rocky Mountain Beardtongue grows 1 to 3 feet tall, showing off its deep blue flowers with violet tubes. Its flowers are 24 to 32 mm long and smooth. The seed capsules are 8 to 13 mm long. There are also subspecies like P. strictus subsp. angustus Pennell.

The Rocky Mountain Penstemon is classified as secure by NatureServe. You can see this wildflower at places like Tohono Chul Park, Inc. in Tucson, AZ, and Native Seed Network in Corvallis, OR. It’s also at NPSOT – Williamson County Chapter in Georgetown, TX.

The Rocky Mountain Beardtongue is a must-have for native gardening fans. It brings color and charm to any landscape.

Growing and Caring for Penstemon

Penstemon is a great choice for low-maintenance gardens and western landscaping. These perennials love the tough conditions of the rocky mountain flora. They bring showy blooms and draw pollinators to your garden. With the right care, penstemons will brighten your garden all season.

Planting in Well-Drained Soil

Planting penstemons in well-drained soil is key to their success. They don’t like wet feet or crowns, which can cause root rot. These plants do best in lean soil, without extra nutrients, to focus on flowers.

Good drainage and aeration are crucial for penstemon plants to thrive. They prefer slightly alkaline soil with a pH above 7.0.

Sunlight Requirements

Most penstemons need at least six hours of sun a day for strong stems and bright flowers. Some can handle partial shade, especially in hot places where it cools down the afternoon. Think about what your penstemon needs when picking a spot.

Watering and Fertilizing

Penstemons are pretty tough and can handle drought. But, they need water, and the amount depends on the type and where you live. Some need regular watering, while others do better with less but deeper water.

• Most penstemon plants do well with infrequent, slow-trickle watering.
• Check soil moisture weekly by sticking a long screwdriver into the soil.
• Older and longer-blooming penstemons might need a little extra food.

Deadheading for Prolonged Bloom

Deadheading your penstemons helps them bloom again and keeps your garden neat. This stops the plant from making seeds and keeps it focused on flowers. Some types might need trimming after they bloom to stay healthy and full.

Follow these tips to make penstemons a great part of your garden. Enjoy their colors and attract pollinators to your low-maintenance and water-wise garden.

Penstemon as a Water-Wise and Pollinator-Friendly Plant

Penstemon is a great choice for gardens that need less water and care. It comes in over 250 types, offering many colors and sizes. These plants are perfect for dry areas and attract many pollinators, making gardens better for nature.

Drought Tolerance

Penstemons love dry places and can survive with little water. Species like Penstemon eatonii and Penstemon pinifolius grow well in dry, rocky areas. They’re used to going without water for a long time.

When planting, make sure the soil drains well. Penstemons don’t like wet or soggy soil. They do well in poor soil, making them easy to care for. Choose the right type of penstemon for your area to have a beautiful garden with less work.

Attracting Hummingbirds, Bees, and Butterflies

Penstemons are great for pollinators because of their long, colorful flowers. These flowers draw in hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Planting local penstemon types helps support these important insects and makes your garden more lively.

Penstemons work well with certain pollinators like bumblebees and hummingbirds. For example, P. cobaea attracts big bumblebees, while P. murrayanus draws in ruby-throated hummingbirds with its red flowers.

For a garden that helps pollinators, mix penstemons with other plants like salvias and native evergreens. This mix creates a garden that’s full of life and needs less water. It’s perfect for supporting many pollinators and insects.

Conclusion

Penstemon, also known as beard tongue, is a great choice for gardeners. It comes in over 250 species and is perfect for xeriscape gardens. These plants are tough and can handle different climates and soils.

Species like the DAKOTA Verde Penstemon and Husker Red Penstemon have beautiful leaves and flowers. They can make any garden look better.

Penstemon plants love well-drained soil and full sun. They don’t need much water once they’re grown. Plus, they attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Research by Castellanos, Wilson & Thomson shows how Penstemon flowers draw in pollinators. By picking Penstemon that grows in your area, you can make a garden that’s easy to care for and good for nature.

In short, Penstemon is a top pick for gardeners who want plants that are good for the planet and attract wildlife. With their wide range of colors and growth styles, these beard tongue perennials can make your garden look amazing. By using Penstemon, you help protect nature and enjoy a beautiful garden.