Penstemon wilcoxii, commonly known as Wilcox’s Penstemon, is a perennial herb native to the western United States, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including rocky slopes, grasslands, and open woodlands. It is particularly adapted to well-drained soils and is often found in montane and subalpine zones. Penstemon wilcoxii typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) with a similar spread. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are arranged in a basal rosette, and its erect stems bear spikes of tubular blue or purple flowers that bloom from early to mid-summer, providing a showy display that is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

In cultivation, Wilcox’s Penstemon is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to add color to rock gardens, native plantings, and wildflower meadows. Its flowers are not only beautiful but also beneficial for supporting local biodiversity. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems. Wilcox’s Penstemon is a hardy plant that does not typically become invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor and manage their plantings responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0