Penstemon albertinus, commonly known as Albert’s penstemon, is a perennial herb native to the montane and subalpine zones of the Rocky Mountains and the Intermountain West in the United States. It typically grows up to 2 feet tall and is characterized by its erect form and glaucous foliage. The bright blue to violet flowers, which bloom in early to mid-summer, are tubular and borne in dense clusters, making them quite showy and attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Albert’s penstemon has a woody base and lance-shaped leaves that add texture to garden settings.

Albert’s penstemon is valued for its vibrant flowers and adaptability to a range of garden conditions. It is particularly well-suited to native plant gardens, rock gardens, and border fronts due to its compact size and colorful presence. This species thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soils, making it a good candidate for xeriscaping. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle the temperature fluctuations of its native mountainous regions. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. To promote vigorous growth and flowering, deadheading spent blooms is recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0