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Penstemon pseudospectabilis

Image of Penstemon pseudospectabilis

Maureen Gilmer

Family

Scrophulariaceae

Botanical Name

Penstemon pseudospectabilis

Plant Common Name

Desert Penstemon

General Description

The tough and beautiful desert penstemon is a real desert gem able to produce loads of delicate blooms in harsh, arid western landscapes. This evergreen perennial is tall and bushy and naturally exists in desert washes and canyons where its deep roots can penetrate the ground. It is surprisingly easy to grow in gardens and makes a lovely, carefree perennial for the spring or summer garden.

The waxy, rounded, gray-green or reddish leaves of desert penstemon line upright stems that are wiry and often purplish red. From spring to early summer tall floral stems dotted with delicate, tubular flowers of vivid pink are produced. These are like manna to hummingbirds. Inconspicuous seed capsules follow.

This true dryland species thrives in areas with full to partial sun and well-drained soil with average to poor fertility. It is remarkably drought tolerant once established and sensitive to consistently moist soil. It is an ideal plant for sunny, arid perennial beds. Its vibrant pink, tubular flowers are loved by hummingbirds, making it ideal for wildlife gardens.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 12

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Western United States, California

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Hot Pink, Rose

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Red, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Red, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Red, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Red, Gray Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes