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Photo:
Pat Kolling
Taxon ID#
65
Sprawling mat to 36 in. across with purple blooms all summer.
Scientific Name:
Penstemon fruiticosus
Common Name 1
› Shrubby Penstemon
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Origins:
E. of the Cascade summits from southern B.C. to central OR, east to the Rockies of MT & WY
Plant Type:
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Common Name 2
› Bush Penstemon
Common Name 3
› Bush Beardtongue
Oregon native:
yes
Western state native:
yes
Scroll down for more information on each topic
Plant Maintenance Information
Landscape Application Information
Seasonal Care
Resource Links
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
Sun Preference:
Full Sun
Water Preference:
L
Soil Preference:
Dry, rocky soil
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
Leaves lance-shaped, saw-toothed, with pointed tips.
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
Purple
Flower Description:
Flowers lavender or blue-purple, to 2 in. long, lower lip with 2 deep folds, golden hairs on inner parts near mouth.
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
12"
Mature spread:
3'
Growth rate:
Medium
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
no
Fire Resistant:
no
Attracts Pollinators:
yes
Attracts Butterflies:
yes
Native Habitat:
Open, rocky or wooded foothill & higher elevation sites
Attracts Birds:
yes
Cut/Dried Flowers:
no
Used by Wildlife:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Photo:
Hedge/Screen:
no
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
yes
Windbreak:
no
Ground Cover:
yes
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Cover Structures:
no
First Bloom:
May
Last Bloom:
Adds Texture/Movement:
Aug
Ornamental Accent:
yes
no
Garden Observations:
Application
Anchor 1
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Summer Care:
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 Care:
Winter Care:
Leave some stems for frost protection and mulch with straw in winter, if necessary.
Long Term Care:
Insect Pests:
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
Environmental Problems:
Landscape Problems:
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.
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Penstemon%20fruticosus
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:
Sponsors
Desert Peaks Healthcare
George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales, LLC
Schilling's Garden Market
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