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Desert Penstemon

Penstemon pseudospectabilis

true

1 gallon

Desert Penstemon

In stock

2'x3'

Sizes:

Desert Beardtongue – Penstemon pseudospectabilis
Also known as: Desert Penstemon

Known by the common name Desert Beardtongue or Desert Penstemon, this plant is native to the southwestern United States, thriving in desert and plateau habitats such as sandy washes, scrub, and woodland. In California, it is found primarily in the Mojave Desert, but adapts well to much of southern California when given full sun and excellent drainage.

This upright perennial forms a shrub up to 3 feet tall with many erect stems. The thin, roughly oval leaves have wide pointed tips and serrated edges. Clusters of vivid reddish-pink tubular flowers appear in season, adding a bold splash of color to the landscape. Like most Penstemons, this species is striking in bloom and pairs beautifully with yellow-flowered companions such as Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata). It is both heat and drought tolerant once established.

During bloom, Desert Beardtongue becomes a magnet for pollinators—buzzing with bees, fluttering with butterflies, and frequently visited by hummingbirds during the day. Hawk moths, including sphinx moths, are drawn to the flowers at dusk, taking advantage of their tubular shape and high nectar reward.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Sphinx Moths (Family: Sphingidae); Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus)
Bird Resources: Nectar; Insects; Caterpillars; Seeds
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri); White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Bees: European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); Native bees including Leafcutter (Megachile spp.) and Sweat Bees (Halictidae spp.)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

2'x3'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Reddish Pink

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.