Penstemon fruiticosus
Common Name(s):
Shrubby Penstemon
Bush Penstemon
Synonym:
Dasanthera fruticosa
Bush Beardtongue
Flower:
Blue
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
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Foliage:
Green
Leaves lance-shaped, saw-toothed, with pointed tips.
Fall Color?
NO
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
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:
10-18"
Spread:
18-30"
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Open, rocky or wooded foothill & higher elevation sites
Soil:
Dry, rocky soil
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Fertilizer:
Apply a light top dressing of a low nitrogen organic fertilizer in early spring or fall
Mulch:
Crushed rock, lava rock, coarse sand, pine needles
Only water if having prolonged severe summer drought, light trim every 3-5 years, no fertilizer, deadhead but leave a few stems for self sowing, only gravel or gritty mulch
Long Term:
Winter:
Leave some stems for frost protection and mulch with straw in winter, if necessary.
Spring:
Remove dead or drost-damaged stems to live green tissues, clear debris, give light supplemental watering, avoid heavy fertilizer
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:
Do not cut back, taper off watering, apply gravel or pine needle mulch, if you choose to fertilize, apply a light top dressing of a slow-release organic fertilizer
General Care Comments:
Penstemon are low maintenance. The main requirement for success is that they need to be planted in well-drained soil-they do not like to have wet feet or crowns. They do best in lean soil without any additional amendments.
Common Problems
Waterlogged soils, poor air circulation high humidity
Diseases:
Insects:
Aphids, thrips, root weevel larvae
Environmental Problems:
Pests:
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