Showy Penstemon
(Penstemon spectabilis)
Showy Penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis)
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Shawn O'Donnell
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Shawn O'Donnell
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Shawn O'Donnell | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Shawn O'Donnell | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-05-21T12:27:29-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penstemon spectabilis, commonly known as Showy Penstemon, is an evergreen perennial herb or subshrub native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub of California and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows erect to a height of over one meter and is characterized by its striking inflorescences of wide-mouthed tubular flowers, which are purple-blue with a lighter, lavender to nearly white throat. The flowers, which are hairless inside, bloom from April to June and are quite showy, making it a desirable ornamental plant. Showy Penstemon is often a pioneer species in recently disturbed habitats and plays a role in ecological succession.
Showy Penstemon is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, which attract pollinators like wasps, including Pseudomasaris vespoides, and hummingbirds. It is suitable for xeriscaping and is often used in native plant gardens, borders, and as a naturalizing element in dry landscapes. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requiring very low amounts of water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Showy Penstemon is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, which attract pollinators like wasps, including Pseudomasaris vespoides, and hummingbirds. It is suitable for xeriscaping and is often used in native plant gardens, borders, and as a naturalizing element in dry landscapes. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requiring very low amounts of water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Chaparral and coastal sage scrub of California and Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Showy Beardtongue
Scientific Names: , Penstemon spectabilis, Penstemon spectabilis var. spectabilis, Penstemon spectabilis subsp. spectabilis, Penstemon spectabilis subsp. typicus, Penstemon spectabilis var. gilmanii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon spectabilis Thurb. ex Torr. & Gray