Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP'

Also Known As

Penstemon heterophylla 'Margarita BOP'
Bearded Tongue
Foothills Penstemon

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 18"-20"
W: 24"

planting zones

8a-10b

More Options

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP' plant details

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer blue and purple flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and occasional - low water. Does well in lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN wide, 18 IN - 20 IN - tall
Flowers: blue and purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, compact, firescaping/fire wise, long-blooming, native plant, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP'

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This selection of a west coast native, this perennial Beard Tongue is tolerant of drought, deer, rabbits, gophers and fire! Tubular flowers are sky blue with reddish purple spring > fall. Compact mound 2’ tall and 3’ wide. Nice in the border and in rock gardens! Full sun, decent soil drainage, water when dry.

By: Secret Garden Growers

This chance seedling (possibly involving a cross with P. laetus) germinated and grew for years at the Bottom of a Porch (hence the whimsical BOP in the name). Most importantly this gorgeous cultivar has bright sky blue flowers that fade to warm purple with age. Flowers are produced in masses over a long period in summer. Best in full sun and well-drained soils. Do keep in mind that the shade of the flower can vary with soil, water, light and the year.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Margarita BOP is a mat forming perennial that is fast growing (1-2' tall and 2-3' wide). It's low habit and small size make it an excellent choice for narrow borders, or it can be mass planted in larger spaces. The Iridescent blue-purple tubular flowers appear on short spikes and continue to bloom from spring to early summer. Pinching back dead flowers will prolong the blooming period. Seeds from Margarita BOP will revert back to Penstemon heterophylla. Selected for the garden Favored by hummingbirds Penstemon Margarita BOP It is a hybrid between Penstemon heterophyllus and Penstemon laetus. Discovered from a seedling at Las Pilatas Nursery. Found in selected for the garden. Communitites located in Selected for the garden Selected for the garden.

By: The Watershed Nursery

A garden tolerant selection from Bert Wilson of Las Pilitas Nursery, with bright blue flowers bearing a rose-purple tinge. This exceptional new cultivar has performed well in a wide range of garden conditions, including heavy clay and sandy soils. In our experience it is longer-lived than other cultivars of this species. BOP means "bottom of porch". A good container subject in full sun.

By: Native Sons

The BOP ("Bottom of the Porch") in the name of this tidy, tufted wild-flower with its incredible azure-blue flowers comes with a story (see Las Pilitas) showing that it's as tough ; easy-going as it is pretty. S/GDr

By: Forestfarm

Abundant bright blue flowers through spring and summer. Long-lived, hardy to 10°, prefers lots of sun and little water.

By: Cactus Jungle

Another gorgeous penstemon with blue flowers that bloom and bloom well into cool weather. Full sun and well-drained by somewhat poor soil. 20” tall x 20” wide. Blue foliage, blue flowers, wonderful hardy plant with occasional summer water. A happenstance plant (BOP stands for "Beneath our Porch” where this lovely grower was found....5 °F -- USDA zone 7.