Photo of Penstemon fruticosus flower by Kurt Stueber

Photo by Kurt Stueber

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Penstemon fruticosus

Also Known As

  • Shrubby Penstemon

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 12"-18"
  • W: 15"-18"

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Penstemon fruticosus plant details

Penstemon fruticosus is a broadleaf semi-evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer pink flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon fruticosus

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 15 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in spring and summer
Uses: alpine, border plant, container plant, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon fruticosus

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Shrubby, evergreen native, found on slopes in the northwestern states and into western Canada. To 18'' or so tall, a little wider with long narrow leaves and lavender to purple tubular flowers in late spring to summer. Loves good, very good, drainage, as its natural home implies. Full sun, lean soil, and low water. Perfect in the dry rock garden. USDA zone 6.
Low, compact, and shrubby, this semi-evergreen perennial has 2 -inch long, showy, pale lavender or pale blue-violet tubular flowers, May - Aug. Semi-evergreen, its lanceolate leaves can become red in fall. 12 tall and wider. Hummer-friendly. Minimum temperature: -20?F
The prototype shrubby Penstemon, it forms large evergreen bushlets, large flowered, but a bit prone to dieback here, it needs some pruning to look it's best. _ZONE 5

Gardening facts about Penstemon fruticosus plant

How to Grow Penstemon fruticosus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
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