Penstemon speciosus

Also called:

Royal Penstemon

Showy Penstemon

Sagebrush Penstemon

Botanical Description

Plant Family:

Scrophulariaceae

Deciduous

Herbaceous Plant, Perennial

Oregon Native?

Yes

West State Native?

Yes

Eastern WA to CA, east to ID & northeastern UT

Flower:

Blue

Blooms from :

Jun

to:

Aug

Tubular flowers are sky blue reaching 4 cm (1.5 in) long and about 1 cm (0.4
in) wide at the mouth.

Foliage:

Gray-Green

Leaves are entire and narrow
to 15 cm (6 in) long and 1 to 12 mm (0.04 to 0.5 in) wide, rounded to acute at the tip. The leaves are
mostly sessile with some of the upper leaves clasping
the stem

Site Selection

Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:

Water Needs:

Sun Needs:

Full Sun

Deer Resistant?

Firewise?

Yes

Height:

2-2.5'

Spread:

Growth Rate:

Medium

Native Habitat:

Royal penstemon inhabits dry flats, slopes
and draws in the sagebrush-grass, mountain shrub
and juniper forest land communities. Plants typically
occur at low to middle elevations in lowlands and
foothills from 0 to over 10,000 feet.

Soil Needs

Sandy or rocky soils.

Fertilizer Needs:

Recommended Mulch:

Wildlife Uses

Attracts Pollinators?

Yes

Attracts Birds?

Yes

Supports Butterflies?

Yes

Wildlife use description:

Its showy flowers attract
numerous pollinators and other insects which provide a food source for birds and other vertebrates.