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Scented Penstemon

Penstemon palmeri

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1 gallon

Scented Penstemon

Out of stock

3'x2'

Sizes:

Scented Penstemon – Penstemon palmeri
Also known as: Palmer’s Penstemon

Scented Penstemon is native to higher elevations of the southwestern United States, including the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Four Corners region. It is the tallest penstemon in the Southwest and one of the few with fragrant flowers. The plant forms a rosette of thick, leathery, blue-green leaves at the base, each growing up to 5 inches long. These leaves are waxy and help conserve moisture in dry climates.

In spring, Penstemon palmeri sends up striking flower spikes that can reach between 4 and 6 feet tall. The large, tubular flowers range from pale pink to soft lavender and emit a distinct, sweet fragrance. In low desert environments, it performs best in partial shade with excellent drainage. Although it’s highly drought-tolerant, it will grow more robustly with some supplemental water.

The flowers are specially adapted for bee pollination, particularly bumblebees. The blooms feature an expanded throat and prominent lower lip to accommodate the size and shape of these pollinators.

This species is cold hardy, making it suitable for a wide range of elevations and climates, from desert gardens to mountain slopes.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Sphinx Moths; Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Bird Resources: Insects; Caterpillars; Seeds; Nectar
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Bees: Bumblebees; Native Bees; Honey Bees

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

3'x2'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Purple; Blue; Pink

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

Remove flower stalk after bloom if desired

Cold Hardiness:

-30 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:

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.