Penstemon parade: these showy perennials are naturally at home in Western gardens - Garden: Outdoor Living - varieties

Sunset, June, 2002 by Lauren Springer

* Penstemons are perhaps the quintessential Western flower. More than 250 species exist, almost all native to this region. It is the rare gardener who is not smitten by their array of brilliant colors and graceful forms. Luckily for us, they are easier to grow here than anywhere else in the world. There are penstemons for the hot desert, for the cool mountains, for the windy foothills. Many thrive in mild, maritime gardens, while others prefer the temperature extremes of the interior. All insist on good drainage, and the majority are truly drought-tolerant. What's more, their versatile looks combine well with the flashiest garden plants while still retaining that wildflower appeal.

Penstemons' tubular flowers are usually borne on long, upright stems. Aside from irises, no garden flower can boast the color range that penstemons offer. Pink-, white-, and lavender-flowered species attract bees and moths; red, orange, and crimson blossoms draw hummingbirds; deep blue, purple, and yellow species may host birds and insects alike. Flowering times range from the beginning of the growing season (as early as February in the low deserts) through spring and early summer, with species native to late-summer monsoon regions saving their show for August and September. Some species explode into full bloom for a couple of weeks, while others carry on well over a month or two.

Plant sources

High Country Gardens (800/925-9387 or www.highcountrygardens.com) has a good selection of species.

Joy Creek Nursery (503/543-7474 or www.joycreek.com) sells many garden penstemon hybrids.

Laporte Avenue Nursery (1950 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521; 970/472-0017) offers a large selection of species.

For further reading

A good reference is Penstemons, by Robert Nold (Timber Press, Portland, 1999; $29.95; 800/327-5680 or www.timberpress.com).

RELATED ARTICLE: Pick the right penstemon

* Species for areas with hot, dry summers and cold winters

BRIGHTLY COLORED FLOWERS

This group includes flashy species that insist on dry conditions and hot summers. They are cold-hardy to at least Sunset climate zone 2B (from the Sunset Western Garden Book). They are not long-lived, lasting from three to five years. The brightly colored species are favored by humming-birds. Bloom is midseason (late spring and early summer), unless noted.

Penstemon barbatus. Red orange flowers. 3 to 5 feet tall, Good cut flower. Selections include compact 'Elfin Pink' (18 inches) and Schooley's Yellow'.

P. cardinalis. Burgundy. 2 feet.

P. clutei. Rose pink. 3 feet. Nice waxy blue gray foliage.

P. eatonii. Red orange; early. 3 feet.

P. floridus. Bright pink. 3 to 4 feet.

P. grandiflorus. Very large flowers in lavender, pink, or white. 2 to 3 feet, Blue gray foliage shaped like florists' eucalyptus. Good selections are Prairie Jewel (same colors as species), 'Prairie Snow' (white), War Axe (deep pink and purple).

P. palmeri. Very large pale pink flowers. 3 to 6 feet. Blue foliage.

P. pseudospectabilis. Magenta. 2 to 4 feet.

P. rostriflorus. Red orange; late. 2 to 3 feet. Somewhat shrubby.

P. utahensis. Coral red. 1 to 2 feet.

P. virgatus. Lavender. 2 feet.

BLUE FLOWERS

Some of the best true-blue blossoms in the plant kingdom are found in this group. All are hardy to zone 2B, most even to zone 1. They prefer dry soil, cool nights, and low humidity. They bloom for several weeks at midseason.

P. cyananthus (Wasatch penstemon). Bright medium blue. 18 to 24 inches. Hardy to zone 1.

P. glaber. Large, bright medium blue flowers. 18 to 30 inches. Hardy to zone 1.

P. mensarum (Grand Mesa penstemon). Cobalt blue. 15 to 20 inches. Hardy to zone 2A.

P. neomexicanus (New Mexico penstemon). Indigo blue. 2 feet.

P. speciosus. Bright medium blue. 15 to 30 inches.

P. strictus (Rocky Mountain penstemon). Indigo blue. 2 feet. Hardy to zone 1.

P. virens (blue mist penstemon). Sky blue. 10 to 15 inches tall. Hardy to zone 1. Tolerates a bit more moisture and light shade than others.

* Species for hot, dry areas with mild winters

This group includes some of the tallest species, all native to southern Arizona, California, and Mexico. Their thick, waxy foliage adds to their appeal. They need heat to perform well and are not winter-hardy in the intermountain region. Their life span is typically three to five years. Most are favored by hummingbirds.

P. centranthifolius. Red; early to midseason. 4 to 5 feet. Long bloom season.

P. clevelandii. Rose pink; early. 2 to 3 feet.

P. parryi. Rose pink; early. 3 to 4 feet.

P. spectabilis. Indigo blue; early, 4 to 5 feet.

P. superbus. Red; early. 5 to 6 feet.

* Low-growing species These species grow less than 1 foot tall and are hardy to at least zone 2B. They have attractive evergreen foliage and mounding or mat-forming habits. All bloom mid-season, unless noted.

P. californicus. Deep purple. Silver foliage. Needs hot, dry conditions.

P. crandallii. Medium blue. Needs dry conditions. Prefers cool climates.

P. davidsonii davidsonii. Purple. Prefers cool climates. Protect from winter wind.

P. hirsutus 'Pygmaeus'. Pale lavender. Tolerates light shade.