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Rocky Mountain Penstemon Wikimedia Commons
Plantaginaceae

Rocky Mountain Penstemon

Penstemon strictus

Mountain strength.

Family
Plantaginaceae
Genus
Penstemon
Native to
Rocky Mountain region of North America
Bloom season
Summer
Type
Herbaceous perennial
Height
30-70 cm
Sunlight
Full sun
Soil
Well-drained, rocky
Water
Low
Hardiness
3-8
Lifespan
Perennial

Did you know

  • Penstemon is the largest genus of flowering plants endemic to North America, with over 250 species.
  • The name 'penstemon' refers to the fifth staminode, a sterile stamen with a tuft of hairs inside the flower.
  • It is extremely drought-tolerant once established and actually performs poorly with too much water.
  • Hummingbirds and native bees are the primary pollinators of its tubular flowers.
  • It is one of the most reliable and longest-lived penstemons in cultivation.

Color meanings

0

Endurance

1

Natural beauty

2

Independence

Uses

  • Xeriscaping
  • Native plant gardens
  • Rock gardens
  • Pollinator gardens