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Parrys Penstemon

Penstemon parryi

In stock

1 gallon; 2-3 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Partial Shade

1’x1’

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Hot Pink

Late Winter-Spring

Remove old flower spikes

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

This is the most well-known and popular native penstemon. The plant consists of a low rosette of leaves, usually less than 10 inches high, and flower stalks that can reach 3 feet tall. The dark gray-green leaves measure up to 4 inches long. The 3-foot-tall stalks of generally hot pink flowers (but can be various hues of pink) provide a glorious display of color from February to early April attracting lots of hummingbirds. Parry’s penstemon is found in the Sonoran desert from southern Arizona to northern Mexico. Plants do well anywhere from full sun to filtered shade. As with almost all penstemons, good drainage is key to healthy plants. Parry’s Penstemon blooms more en masse than other penstemons. And as a result, they reseed and form colonies more readily if moisture is available. Also a host plant for larval moths.

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.