Botanical Name: Penstemon hybrids (assorted)
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Common Name: Border Penstemon  
Plant photo of: Penstemon hybrids (assorted)
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Annual

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Blue, Lavender, Pink, Purple, Red, Violet, White

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Border penstemons provide great summer color, though in our climate they frequently behave as annuals as they don't over-winter. They come in a range of colors, and heights range a bit but are mostly around 2 to 3 feet. Use them in perennial borders to bridge other flowers, or in containers with annuals to provide valuable vertical presence. Penstemon tend to be deer and rabbit resistant, though irresistible to hummingbirds and bees.
Hybrid penstemons can be less cold-hardy than their specie cousins. They make great annuals for containers and filler in perennial borders as they have a long bloom season. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil, though they will tolerate a bit of shade. When planted in the garden, they would be a Water Zone 3 or 4; in a container plan on weekly watering.