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Showy Penstemon

Penstemon spectabilis

In stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

California Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Filtered Sun

2'x3'

Moderate

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Blue

Spring

None

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

The Showy penstemon is one of the outstanding native perennials of Southern California where it commonly grows in sage scrub and chaparral plant communities. Living up to its name it is one of the showiest of the penstemons. It grows fast, reaching 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide bearing spectacular wide-mouthed, tubular violet or purple-blue flowers from its first year on. In good conditions, it may flower late winter into summer. It grows best in the filtered sun in well drained soils but tolerates clay.
As with all penstemons, it is deer and rabbit-resistant. Great for wildlife gardens, it attracts a variety of native bees and hummingbirds for nectar. Per Calscape, it is a larval host for a likely total of 13 butterfly and moth species.
It combines well with other scrub and desert perennials and around boulders, on banks, and for seasonal accent value. Penstemon is a favorite to mix amongst a large planting of deer grass for a show of spring color in a meadowy situation or in gaps among low shrubs or bunch grasses where it will largely blend into the landscape when not in bloom, but then steal the show in the spring when its long flower stocks reach high.
In the Coachella Valley, we do not get cold enough temperatures for it to reseed itself. But the seeds are an excellent resource for wildlife still!

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.