Penstemon heterophyllus
bunchleaf penstemon
Overview
Penstemon heterophyllus is an evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial that grows 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) wide. It forms a low, somewhat woody mound of narrow, blue-green leaves. From late spring into summer it sends up spikes of tubular flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) long that shift between blue, violet, and rose-pink, often with an iridescent sheen. The species is native to California, growing on dry slopes, chaparral, and open woodland in the Coast Ranges and Sierra foothills. It grows in full sun and fast-draining soil and tolerates extended summer drought once established. Overwatering and heavy, wet soils cause root rot and shorten the plant's life. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds. Like many western penstemons it is short-lived, persisting three to five years, but it self-seeds in open ground. Light shearing after the first bloom can bring a second flush of flowers. Hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Native Range
Penstemon heterophyllus is native to California, where it grows in chaparral, foothill woodland, and dry slopes in the Coast Ranges and the western Sierra Nevada. It is found below 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in well-drained, sunny sites.Suggested Uses
Used in dry borders, rock gardens, and water-wise plantings on well-drained soil. Suited to slopes and gravel gardens in full sun. Spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart in groups or drifts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Blue to violet and roseFoliage Description
Blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun in light, fast-draining soil; sandy or gravelly ground is suitable. Water occasionally during establishment, then reduce irrigation, as the plant rots in soggy soil. Rich soil and heavy feeding produce weak, floppy growth. Shear lightly after the first bloom to tidy the plant and prompt rebloom. Plants are short-lived but reseed where soil is open. In colder zones a layer of mulch shields the crown over winter.Pruning
Shear plants back by one-third after the first bloom to encourage a second flush. Remove spent flower spikes through summer. Trim lightly in early spring to shape the mound and clear dead growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons