Rydberg’s Penstemon

(Penstemon rydbergii)

Rydberg’s Penstemon (Penstemon rydbergii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Penstemon rydbergii, commonly known as Rydberg’s Penstemon, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including dry slopes, meadows, and forest clearings across the western United States. It is particularly adapted to the montane and subalpine zones of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin. This species typically grows up to 24 inches tall and produces erect spikes of showy, tubular purple-blue flowers from late spring to early summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. The foliage is a lush green, and the plant forms a clumping habit.

Rydberg’s Penstemon is valued for its ease of maintenance and the vibrant splash of color it adds to garden settings. It is often used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and borders. This plant prefers well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Herb
  • Height: 0.6-2 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to dry slopes, meadows, and forest clearings in the montane and subalpine zones of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin

Other Names

Common Names: Rydberg’s Penstemon, Blue Mountain Beardtongue, Meadow Beardtongue, Meadow Penstemon

Scientific Names: , Penstemon rydbergii, Penstemon attenuatus var. varians, Penstemon erosus, Penstemon lacerellus, Penstemon latiusculus, Penstemon productus, Penstemon rydbergii subsp. typicus, Penstemon rydbergii var. varians,

GBIF Accepted Name: