Penstemon heterophyllus

Also Known As

Blue Bedder

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

8b-11

More Options

Penstemon heterophyllus plant details

Penstemon heterophyllus is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In summer purple and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, clay, gritty and lean soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon heterophyllus

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: purple and yellow blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon heterophyllus

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty and lean

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A herbaceous perennial that spreads to 2? wide. Native to California?s coast ranges and foothills. The 1? to 1.5,? tubular flowers are densely borne on 20? spikes. Attracts hummingbirds, regular birds and butterflies. It needs no summer water once established and adapted to poor, dry, well-drained soil. Excellent in rock gardens, or dry garden containers. Native Americans long used penstemon roots to relieve toothache. Found in slopes. Communitites located in Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest Between 0 and 5249 feet .

By: The Watershed Nursery

A highly variable subshrub or perennial to 2' tall with an equal spread. The thin, glabrous, linear leaves are deep green to green-blue, and the spring and summer blooms are rosy-violet with blue or lilac lobes. The unopened buds are yellow-tinged, adding additional color to this handsome native species. Drought and heat tolerant, blue bedder is best cultivated in warm, sunny, well-drained sites. Hardy to 10F. California.