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Photo:
Pat Kolling
Shrubby Penstemon
Bush Penstemon
Bush Beardtongue
Latin Name:
Penstemon fruiticosus
Sprawling mat to 36 in. across with purple blooms all summer.
Taxon ID#
65
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
Sun Preference:
Full Sun
Water Preference:
L
Soil Preference:
Dry, rocky soil
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
E. of the Cascade summits from southern B.C. to central OR, east to the Rockies of MT & WY
Oregon native:
yes
Western state native:
yes
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
Photo:
Used by Wildlife:
no
Hedge/Screen:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
yes
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
yes
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Adds Texture/Movement:
no
First Bloom:
May
Last Bloom:
Aug
Ornamental Accent:
yes
Garden Observations:
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:
George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden
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