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Parrys Penstemon

Penstemon parryi

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1 gallon

Parrys Penstemon

In stock

1’x1’

Sizes:

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.)

Plant Care

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

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Yes

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.