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Penstemon davidsonii

Common Name(s):

Davidson's penstemon

Creepiing penstemon

Synonym:

Penstemon menziesii ssp. davidsonii

Timberline penstemon

Flower:

Blue

Blooms :

Jun

to:

Aug

Tubular with 2-lobed upper lip and 3-lobed lower lip

Botanical Description

Fragrant?

NO

Family:

Plantaginaceae

Herbaceous Plant, Perennial

Foliage:

Green

Leaves basal 1-2 inches long, stem leaves opposite, glabrous, quite thick

Fall Color?

YES

Green leaves persistent

Evergreen

Photo by: 

Heading 6

Green leaves present

Oregon Native?

YES

West State Native?

YES

Origins:

Western United States

Site Selection

Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:

4

Water Needs:

L

Sun Needs:

Full Sun

Deer Resistant?

YES

Firewise?

YES

Height:

8-10"

Spread:

1-2'

Growth Rate:

Medium

Native Habitat:

Rocky outcrops

Soil:

Rocky

Care Recommendations

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Fertilizer:

Rarely requires fertilizer other than maybe a light application in the fall

Mulch:

Gravel, stone chippings, pune needles

Give occassional water every 10-14 days, full sun, needs gritty, sandy or rocky soil, has very low fertilization needs

Long Term:

Winter:

Ensure perfect drainage, protect from cold and wind, avoid heavy wet mulches, do not cut back

Spring:

Give full sun, excellent drainage, use low water, prune old growth by about half once new growth appears

Summer:

Give water every 10-14 days, deadhead spent flowers

Fall:

Reduce water to near zero, remove fallen leaves, mulch

General Care Comments:

Plant in full sun, naturally adapted to subalpine or rocky mountain conditions, do not overcrowd, plant high with root ball above soil line, low water, deadhead after blooming, skip fertilizer

Common Problems

Over watering and poor drainage

Diseases:

Leaf spots, root rots

Insects:

Aphids, spider mites, thrips

Environmental Problems:

Poorly drained woils, heat stress, soil salinity

Pests:

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