Botanical Name: Penstemon strictus
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Common Name: Rocky Mountain Penstemon  
Plant photo of: Penstemon strictus
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Blue, Violet

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark 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, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Patio

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

  • Description

  • Notes

Rocky Mountain penstemon is one of the most common native penstemon and for good reason. It is both cold and drought tolerant, and has stunning violet blue to blue flowers from June to August. It varies in size, from 1 to 3 feet, and tends to be narrow, even when taller. Basal leaves are bright green and evergreen. Attractive to bees and hummingbirds. Also is a nice cut flower. A Utah native.
Grow in full sun and well drained soils. Will tolerate alkaline soils to 8 pH. Gravelly, sandy-loam, and clay-loam soils.