What hardiness zones is Penstemon Hybrids suitable for?

Penstemon Hybrids is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Penstemon Hybrids?

Penstemon Hybrids requires Full Sun.

How much water does Penstemon Hybrids need?

Penstemon Hybrids has Low water needs.

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Perennials

Penstemon Hybrids

Beard Tongue

Plantaginaceae

Almost exclusively North America from Alaska to Guatemala; greatest diversity in the western United States. Pacific Northwest native species include P. cardwellii, P. davidsonii, P. serrulatus, and others

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitUpright

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height12–48 inches (30–120 cm)

Width12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Attracts Hummingbirds

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancelow

Overview

A genus of approximately 270 species of perennials and subshrubs in Plantaginaceae — the largest genus of flowering plants endemic to North America — with numerous garden hybrids widely grown in Pacific Northwest gardens. Tubular, two-lipped flowers with four fertile stamens plus one sterile, often bearded staminode give the genus its common name beardtongue. Flower colors span white, pink, lavender, purple, red, and scarlet; most garden hybrids bloom June–September. Pacific Northwest native species include P. cardwellii (Cardwell's penstemon), P. davidsonii (Davidson's penstemon), and P. serrulatus (coast penstemon). Garden hybrid penstemons typically reach 18–36 inches (45–90 cm). Highly attractive to hummingbirds. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9 depending on species.

Native Range

Penstemon is native almost exclusively to North America, from Alaska to Guatemala, with greatest diversity in the western United States. Pacific Northwest native species are found in habitats ranging from coastal bluffs to subalpine meadows. Garden hybrid penstemons are of complex hybrid origin involving multiple North American species; many commercially available hybrids were developed in the UK and Europe.

Suggested Uses

Planted in sunny, well-drained borders, rock gardens, gravel gardens, and dry slopes at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The tubular flowers in June–September are among the best hummingbird-attracting perennials for Pacific Northwest gardens. Pacific Northwest native species (P. cardwellii, P. davidsonii, P. serrulatus) are excellent choices for native plant gardens and naturalistic plantings. Most garden hybrids require good drainage and full sun to thrive.

How to Identify

Identified by tubular, two-lipped flowers in terminal panicles or racemes with four fertile stamens plus one sterile staminode (often hairy or bearded) visible inside the corolla tube — the defining characteristic of the genus. Leaves opposite, simple, often lance-shaped. Distinguished from Digitalis (foxglove) by the opposite leaves and the characteristic fifth sterile staminode; from Salvia by the four stamens plus bearded staminode (vs. two stamens in Salvia); from Phlox by the tubular two-lipped rather than flat-faced flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 4'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

purple

red

lavender

scarlet

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

SummerFall

Most garden hybrids and Pacific Northwest native penstemons bloom June through September. Individual plants bloom for 4–8 weeks; deadheading spent spikes encourages rebloom in many cultivars. Tubular flowers in terminal spikes highly attractive to hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. Pacific Northwest native species vary in bloom time from late April (P. cardwellii) through August.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Tubular, two-lipped, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long; white, pink, lavender, purple, red, and scarlet depending on species or cultivar

Foliage Description

Opposite, simple, lance-shaped to oval, 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) long; medium to dark green; often slightly glossy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandrocky

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained to dry soil. Excellent drainage is essential — Penstemon is highly susceptible to root rot in wet or heavy clay soils, especially in winter. Space 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established. Do not fertilize heavily — rich soils produce lush but short-lived plants. Cut back spent flower spikes to encourage rebloom. Most hybrid penstemons are short-lived perennials (2–4 years) and benefit from periodic replacement.

Pruning

Cut spent flower spikes back by half after the first flush of bloom to encourage rebloom. In fall, leave stems standing through winter for frost protection — cut back to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in early spring. Do not cut back in fall in areas with wet winters as open crowns are vulnerable to rot.

Pruning Schedule

early springsummer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Unknown