Photo of Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring'

Also Known As

  • Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Springs'
  • Blue Springs Foothill Penstemon

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 6"-12"
  • W: 8"-14"

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring' plant details

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring' is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 8 IN - 14 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, edging plant, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring'

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Dense tubular blooms of a luminous blue with pink throats adorn this head-turning California native from late spring to fall, especially if spent flower spikes are cut back. Foliage is a bluish green, and the plants are compact, easy to grow, deer resistant and drought tolerant. S-PSh/M-D
Truly luminous, almost turquoise blooms, 6-12” tall, will make this one of your favorite California natives. Not a shy bloomer, you’ll get lots of those beautiful blooms much loved by hummers & butterflies. Dense & compact, it grows to a maximum 14” x 14” with bluish-green evergreen. Once established, it’ll live long and prosper in low fertility soil with no Summer water. A superb choice for dry gardens & containers. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring' plant

How to Grow Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Spring'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Penstemon for your garden

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Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

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Size

Height: 9"-12"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun
  • occasional
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Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
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Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
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aka Firecracker Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 8"-14"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
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aka Lilac Beardstongue, Lilac Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-24"

Width: 8"-24"

  • sun
  • regular
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