Penstemon

This North American native plant has a home in nearly every garden with flowers that hummingbirds love. Long blooming with brilliantly colored, tubular flowers, penstemons -- ironically -- have been a staple in European gardens for decades.

There are many different penstemon types. The leaves are lance-shape or oval, sometimes purple-red as in 'Husker Red'. Some Western species need outstanding drainage to dry conditions and won't thrive during wet weather. However, many, such as 'Husker Red', thrive in a wide variety of conditions. Just be sure to provide excellent drainage. Mulch in areas where a type is marginally hardy.

Light:

Sun,Part Sun

Zones:

3-9

Plant Type:

Annual,Perennial

Plant Height:

8 inches-6 feet tall

Plant Width:

8-20 inches wide

Bloom Time:

Blooms in late spring to late summer, depending on variety

Landscape Uses:

Containers,Beds & Borders,Privacy,Slopes,Groundcover

Special Features:

Flowers,Attractive Foliage,Cut Flowers,Attracts Hummingbirds,Attracts Butterflies,Drought Tolerant

Top Varieties

---

Common penstemon

Penstemon barbatus has narrow spikes of two-lipped tubular flowers about 2 inches long in spring. The colors can be red, pink, carmine, or purple. The 8-inch lance-shape leaves have a whitish bloom. The plant can reach 3-6 feet tall. Zones 4-9
view >

Firecracker penstemon

Penstemon eatonii is a showstopper with bold red-orange flowers. It's also more shade-tolerant than many other penstemons. It grows 3 feet tall. Zones 3-9
view >

'Husker Red' penstemon

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' blooms in early to midsummer with loose spires of 1-inch tubular pink-flushed white flowers. The lance-shape deep maroon leaves are 4-5 inches long and arranged in a basal rosette. It grows about 2-1/2 feet tall. Zones 3-8
view >

Pine-leaf penstemon

Penstemon pinifolius is a summer bloomer with loose spires of 1-inch scarlet, narrowly tubular flowers. It has needlelike foliage and is slightly woody at the base. This species is excellent in dry rock gardens or walls. 4-10
view >

Garden Plans

---

Sensational Summer Garden Plan
Cottage Garden
Summer Cottage Garden Plan
Beautiful Butterflies Garden Plan
Bird and Butterfly Garden Plan
Island Bed 1
Multiple Pots Container Garden
Nook Garden
Property Line Garden
Walk to Front Door 2
Long-Blooming Rock Garden Plan
Pink Springtime Garden Plan
Tiny Corner Garden Plan
Heat-Loving Garden Plan
Tough-as-Nails Perennial Garden Plan

Plant It With

---

Lady's mantle

Lady's mantle has foamy sprays of chartreuse flowers in late spring and is a fine companion for early penstemon in full sun.

Lamb's-ears

A low carpet of fuzzy, silvery lamb's-ears at the feet of brightly colored penstemon presents an interesting combination. Good drainage and full sun will please both.

Catmint

Smaller catmint is fine in combination with penstemon. The gray foliage and loose spikes of the lavender flowers complement each other.

Propagation

---

Seed
Division
Stem Cuttings