Penstemon pseudospectabilis

Penstemon pseudospectabilis is a species of dry habitats sporting opposite, blue-grey, serrated, evergreen leaves that clasp around the stems that grow up to 3 feet tall and put forth tons of shocking pink flowers. Fall foliage develops a burgundy cast. Great for hummingbirds. Provide excellent drainage in poor soils in full sun.

This thing goes about under the common name of desert beardtongue, so as you might guess, it liked it on the dry side. Up to 3' tall or so, with spikes of intensely margenta flowers over a long period in the summer. Zone 5 hardy, if dry enough. -Joseph P. x pseudospectabilis

Nothing pseudo about the spectacle this magenta Penstemon brings to the border - it's strong growing & long blooming & welcomes the heat & the dry times with total grace. Just be sure that you don't over-tend it! Overwatering is this plant's weakness, so love it without the hose. Give it a sunny & dry site, fair to decent drainage & maybe a hummingbird or a few to keep it company. To 3' tall & up to 2' wide, it blooms during most of the warm season with punchy pink blooms delicately held on long stalks. Deadhead spent stems to encourage it to rebloom & bush out. Leaves are a healthy green with a bit of gloss on this strain & for a desert plant, they're holding up excellently to our coastal mildness. Semi-evergreen.