Botanical Name: Penstemon pseudospectabilis
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Common Name: Desert Penstemon  
Plant photo of: Penstemon pseudospectabilis
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Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border

 

Special Uses

Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Janet Rademacher MSN

  • Description

  • Notes

A beautiful, nearly ever-blooming species native to southern New Mexico. The long spikes of hot pink flowers contrast beautifully with the large gray leaves. Foliage may be evergreen in milder winters. Remove faded flowers and give it a few deep soakings in the heat of the summer to keep the plant blooming for many months. This Penstemon loves hot weather, and is recommended for use throughout the southwestern U.S. 36 inches tall and 18 inches wide. There are a number of selected forms available.
Desert Penstemon needs full sun and well drained soil. Gravelly, sandy-loam, clay-loam, but it needs to be well drained. Attracts hummingbirds; not attractive to deer. Zones 5-10.