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Parrys Penstemon

Penstemon parryi

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1 gallon

Plant Care

Parrys Penstemon

Out of stock

1’x1’

Sizes:

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Partial Shade

Mature size:

1’x1’

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Hot Pink

Flower season:

Late Winter-Spring

Pruning:

May remove old flower spikes

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Yes

Parry’s Penstemon – Penstemon parryi

Also known as: Parry Penstemon

Parry’s Penstemon is the most well-known and popular native penstemon in the Southwest. It forms a low rosette of dark gray-green leaves, usually under 10 inches tall, from which tall flower stalks rise up to 3 feet. The leaves are up to 4 inches long, and the vibrant flower spikes—typically hot pink, though sometimes in other pink shades—bloom from February to early April. During this time, the plant puts on a stunning display and attracts an abundance of hummingbirds.

Native to the Sonoran Desert, Penstemon parryi ranges from southern Arizona into northern Mexico. It grows best in full sun to filtered shade and requires well-drained soils. Like many other penstemons, it is short-lived but reseeds readily with adequate moisture, often forming colonies over time. This species tends to bloom more prolifically than other penstemons and also serves as a host plant for several moths.

Parry’s Penstemon is highly drought-tolerant once established. It benefits from deep, infrequent watering and will bloom more profusely with a bit of supplemental irrigation in dry years. It is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and desert habitat landscapes.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: Variable Metalmark (Emesis emesia); Noctuid moths (various species)
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus); Common Checkered-Skipper (Burnsius communis); White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata); Northern White Skipper (Heliopetes ericetorum); Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis grossa)
Bird Resources: Caterpillars; Insects; Seeds; Nectar
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri); House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus); White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Bees: Honey Bees (Apis mellifera); Native Bees — including Sweat Bees (Halictidae), Digger Bees (Anthophora spp.), and Mason Bees (Osmia spp.)

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.