(Hybrid Beardtongue, Hybrid Penstemon, Sweet Grapes Penstemon)

This is a gorgeous purple problem solver for gardens suffering from too much winter moisture for other perennial penstemon varieties. Bred in Oregon, it is derived from the Canadian Saskatoon hybrids, which resulted from crosses of Penstemon barbatus and a handful of other species which contribute drought and moisture tolerance. This cold hardy variety is particularly useful in the Northwest where excessive winter rains cause many penstemons to suffer root rot. Its shorter stature and more...

(Hybrid Beardtongue, Violet Dusk Penstemon)

Penstemons are clump-forming herbaceous perennials native to North America. The pretty selection 'Violet Dusk' produces showy spike-like racemes of tubular lavender-purple flowers from late spring into summer. These appear above rosettes of semi-evergreen leaves. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

This cultivar prefers full sun and well drained sandy loam. It can be purchased as seed or plants. Use it in sunny perennial borders with other North American natives such as Echinacea...

(Hybrid Beardtongue, Pheonix Beardtongue)

The result of breeding work involving the Mexican native Penstemon hartwegii, Phoenix™ Series penstemons are tender herbaceous perennials usually grown as annual bedding plants. They produce showy spike-like racemes of large, wide-mouthed, tubular flowers in colors ranging from white to pink to magenta to purple to red, most with white centers. Flowers appear from early summer through early fall. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

These perennials prefer full sun and well drained...

(Hybrid Beardtongue, Hybrid Penstemon, Red Rocks® Penstemon)

Bearing spectacular magenta flowers on compact stems over a long season, this herbaceous perennial is also notable for its adaptability to a diversity of climates. One of a number of outstanding penstemon hybrids developed by renowned plant breeder Bruce Meyers, Red Rocks® bears spires of chubby bell-shaped flowers from summer to fall. The relatively short flower stems arise from a shrubby base furnished with glossy lance-shaped evergreen leaves.

A favorite of hummingbirds, this beautiful...

(Hybrid Beardtongue)

Bearing showy flowers in a wide range of colors, these herbaceous perennials are excellent subjects for borders and cottage gardens. A seed-grown mixture of border penstemons – a group of large-flowered, long-blooming hybrids whose lineage includes several Mexican species and one from the Midwest United States – Sensation bears clusters of chubby trumpet-shaped flowers from late spring through summer. Flower colors include red, purple, pink, and cream, often with contrasting white throats. The thigh-high...

(Beardlip Penstemon, Scarlet Beardtongue)

When in bloom, beardlip penstemon produces tall spikes of tubular crimson flowers that are exceptionally beautiful. Native to the relatively dry climes of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, this herbaceous perennial grows surprisingly well in temperate regions across the country.

From late spring to midsummer many long pike-like spikes of bright red tubular blooms rise from a basal clump of semi-evergreen leaves. The flowers draw hummingbirds from afar and are long lasting if...

(Beardlip Penstemon)

Cute, small and perfectly sized for cramped quarters, this bright little herbaceous perennial is far from shy when it comes to flowering. Deriving from the Southwest United States native Penstemon barbatus, it bears that species' typical narrow sharkhead-shaped blooms. Loosely arrayed on compact stems, the late spring and early summer blossoms are small compared to the more sophisticated hybrids, but their delicious coral and salmon hues – sometimes verging on rosy pink – catch the eye....

(Beardlip Penstemon, Elfin Pink Penstemon)

This dainty penstemon is truly a fairy-like presence in the garden. But don’t let its stature fool you: its parent is a rugged perennial wildflower native to most of the southwestern and southern Rocky Mountain states, thriving in dry sun-drenched sites. Beautiful pink tubular blossoms line the abundant flower spires that rise from narrow evergreen foliage from late spring into summer.

A favorite of hummingbirds, this herbaceous perennial prefers full sun and neutral to alkaline soil that...

(Beardlip Penstemon)

Producing compact hummingbird-attracting spires of deep violet-blue flowers from late spring into summer, this beautiful perennial flowers the first year from seed. Deriving from the Southwest United States native Penstemon barbatus, 'Pinacolada Blue' bears that species' typical narrow sharkhead-shaped blooms. Loosely arrayed on relatively short stems, the blossoms are slighter than those of the large-flowered border penstemons, but their iridescent color catches the eye. The flowering stems...

(Beardlip Penstemon)

This great series of garden worthy penstemons bloom earlier, are more free flowering and offer versatile compact plants. They are derived from a rugged perennial wildflower native to most of the Southwest and southern Rocky Mountain states. Like most of its kin the species prefers very well drained porous soils in sun drenched locations. This lends a strong drought resistance but also makes them sensitive to too much water which leads to root rot.

This series is strongly blue flowered like...