Penstemon fruiticosus
Shrubby Penstemon
Bush Penstemon
Bush Beardtongue
Plant Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Flower:
Purple
Blooms :
May
to:
Aug
Flowers lavender or blue-purple, to 2 in. long, lower lip with 2 deep folds, golden hairs on inner parts near mouth.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
No
Foliage:
Green
Leaves lance-shaped, saw-toothed, with pointed tips.
Oregon Native?
Yes
West State Native?
Yes
E. of the Cascade summits from southern B.C. to central OR, east to the Rockies of MT & WY
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
No
Firewise?
No
Height:
12"
Spread:
3'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Open, rocky or wooded foothill & higher elevation sites
Soil:
Dry, rocky soil
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Fertilizer:
Mulch:
Long Term:
Winter:
Leave some stems for frost protection and mulch with straw in winter, if necessary.
Spring:
Summer:
Any leftover flower stalks on Penstemon should be deadheaded. Penstemons need little pruning, but removing the stems after flowering is complete will often promote new foliage growth and a second flush of blooms. Deadheading will also prolong flowering.
Fall:
Common Problems
Diseases:
Insects:
Also called: