Bush Penstemon

(Penstemon fruticosus)

Bush Penstemon (Penstemon fruticosus)

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Penstemon fruticosus, commonly known as Bush Penstemon, is an evergreen subshrub native to dry, open forests, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows in the Pacific Northwest of the USA, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and extending into Wyoming. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.5-0.8 feet (0.15-0.25 meters). This plant features glossy green leaves and showy flowers that are most commonly purple, but can also be found in shades of white and blue, blooming in late spring to early summer.

Bush Penstemon is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. It is used in rock gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a border plant. It thrives in well-drained soils, tolerates a range of soil types including sandy and rocky substrates, and prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may require protection from excessive winter moisture.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub
Height: 1-1.5 feet
Width: 0.5-0.8 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple, White, Blue
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium, Low
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Dry, open forests, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows in the Pacific Northwest and extending into Wyoming

Other Names

Common Names: Shrubby Penstemon, Shrubby Beardtongue, Penstémon Arbustif, Pentstémon Frutescent, Buskhatt

Scientific Names: , Penstemon fruticosus, Penstemon fruticosus subsp. fruticosus, Penstemon fruticosus var. crassifolius, Apentostera secundiflora, Dasanthera fruticosa, Gerardia fruticosa, Penstemon lewisii, Penstemon menziesii var. crassifolius, Penstemon menziesii var. lewisii

GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon fruticosus (Pursh) Greene