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Penstemon mensarum

Also Known As

  • Grand Mesa Beardtongue

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 24"-30"
  • W: 10"-15"

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Penstemon mensarum plant details

Penstemon mensarum is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring blue flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, clay and gritty soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon mensarum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 10 IN - 15 IN - wide, 24 IN - 30 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring
Uses: winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon mensarum

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Stunning cobalt blue spikes in early spring last for nearly two months. Dense mat of evergreen rosettes turns a lovely orange-red in winter. This close cousin to 'Bandera' blooms almost a month earlier, extending the season. Restricted to Western Colorado in the wild. Loam, sand or clay soils. USDA zones 3-9 (up to 9,000').

Gardening facts about Penstemon mensarum plant

How to Grow Penstemon mensarum

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Penstemon for your garden

aka Penstemon ambiguus subsp. laevissimus, Pink Plains Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 9"-12"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun
  • occasional
Photo of Penstemon ambiguus var. laevissimus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Pinto Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon bicolor close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Pinto Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon bicolor subsp. roseus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Firecracker Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 8"-14"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon eatonii flower, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka Lilac Beardstongue, Lilac Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-24"

Width: 8"-24"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Penstemon gracilis close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant
+227 more Penstemon
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