Source: Unsplash
Local Verdict
"The most reliable native penstemon. Electric blue-purple flowers that bloom for months."
Difficulty
Growth RateFast
LifespanShort (3-5 years)
Overview
Discovered at the 'Bottom of the Porch' (BOP) at Las Pilitas Nursery, this variety is a tough, garden-tolerant selection of the foothill penstemon. The flowers shift from blue to purple as they age, giving a multi-colored effect.
It stays relatively low and compact, making it perfect for borders and rock gardens. It thrives in our clay soils better than most other penstemons.
Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Water Needs
Low
Soil Type
Well-drained to clay
Elevation
Up to 5,000 ft
Care Cheat Sheet
- 01.
Don't Fertilize: Rich soil makes it floppy and short-lived. Keep it lean.
- 02.
Summer Dryish: Water sparingly in summer to extend lifespan.
- 03.
Replant Often: Treat it as a 3-5 year plant and propagate from cuttings to keep stock going.
