Royal Penstemon
(Penstemon speciosus)
Royal Penstemon (Penstemon speciosus)
/
/
peganum
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
peganum
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: peganum | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: peganum | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penstemon speciosus, commonly known as Royal Penstemon, is a perennial herb native to the Intermountain West of North America, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including sagebrush scrub, plateau and foothill scrub, and subalpine mountain forests. It is well-adapted to a range of elevations, typically found from 3,000 to 9,000 feet (900 to 2,700 meters). The plant grows erect, reaching heights of 2 to 9 centimeters (3/4 to 3 1/2 inches), and is characterized by its striking blue flowers that bloom in the summer and spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
Royal Penstemon is valued for its vibrant blue flowers and its adaptability to low-water gardens, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in wildflower meadows and as a border plant in drought-tolerant landscapes. This species prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it requires little maintenance once established, it benefits from occasional deadheading to promote additional flowering. Gardeners should be aware that Penstemon speciosus can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may attract hummingbirds and pollinators to the garden. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent issues.CC BY-SA 4.0
Royal Penstemon is valued for its vibrant blue flowers and its adaptability to low-water gardens, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in wildflower meadows and as a border plant in drought-tolerant landscapes. This species prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it requires little maintenance once established, it benefits from occasional deadheading to promote additional flowering. Gardeners should be aware that Penstemon speciosus can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may attract hummingbirds and pollinators to the garden. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent issues.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to sagebrush scrub, plateau and foothill scrub, and subalpine mountain forests within the Intermountain West of North America
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Penstemon speciosus , Penstemon speciosus subsp. kennedyi , Penstemon speciosus subsp. typicus , Penstemon rex , Penstemon deserticola , Penstemon kennedyi , Penstemon glaber var. speciosus , Penstemon pilifer , Penstemon glaber f. speciosus , Penstemon speciosus var. pilifer
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon speciosus Douglas