What hardiness zones is Penstemon pinifolius suitable for?

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

What are the sun requirements for Penstemon pinifolius?

Penstemon pinifolius requires Full Sun.

How much water does Penstemon pinifolius need?

Penstemon pinifolius has Very Low water needs.

Perennials

Penstemon pinifolius

Pine Penstemon

Plantaginaceae

American Southwest (southern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona; dry rocky pine-juniper woodland and montane scrub at 6000-9000 ft / 1800-2700 m)

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At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitMounding

FoliageEvergreen

Height10-15 inches (25-38 cm)

Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Maturity3 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.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Penstemon pinifolius is an evergreen subshrubby perennial reaching 10–15 inches (25–38 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) and a low mounding densely branched habit. Native to the American Southwest (New Mexico and Arizona), this species runs entirely different in character from the European hybrid penstemons—leaves run needle-like, 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) long, resembling pine needles (the source of the specific epithet pinifolius spp.), bright to dark green in color, and densely packed along wiry stems. Flowers run narrow tubular, 1–1.2 inches (2.5–3 cm) long, bright scarlet-orange in color, and open in loose terminal racemes from June through September. Growth rate runs slow. Hardy to zone 4. The combination of needle-like evergreen foliage and bright scarlet-orange tubular flowers draws hummingbirds heavily across the bloom window. Drought tolerance runs extreme across established plants, and the species handles the dry sandy and rocky soils that defeat the lusher European hybrid penstemons.

Native Range

Penstemon pinifolius is native to the American Southwest, ranging across southern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The species grows in dry rocky pine-juniper woodland and montane scrub habitats at 6,000–9,000 feet (1,800–2,700 m) elevation. The high-altitude dry rocky native ecology translates in garden cultivation to the requirement for sharp drainage, lean soil, and full sun—conditions that defeat most perennials but suit this species closely.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rock gardens, gravel gardens, xeriscape plantings, or raised beds at 12–15 inch (30–38 cm) spacing in zone-4-and-warmer gardens. Needle-like evergreen foliage supplies year-round textural interest across all four seasons, which runs rare among penstemons where the European hybrids run semi-evergreen at their peak. Bright scarlet-orange flowers from June through September draw hummingbirds heavily. Drought tolerance runs extreme. Sharp drainage is essential for winter survival. Rich moist soils and heavy clay are poor fits for the species.

How to Identify

Separated from all other penstemons in common cultivation by the needle-like leaf form (versus the broad lanceolate leaves of essentially all other penstemon species and cultivars) that creates a pine-needle-like foliage texture. Separated from 'Mersea Yellow' (a yellow-flowered cultivar of this same species) by the bright scarlet-orange flower color (versus the clear soft yellow flowers of 'Mersea Yellow'). Separated from 'Catherine de la Mare' (also compact) by the needle-like leaves (versus the ovate leaves of 'Catherine de la Mare') and by the subshrubby woody-based habit. A low subshrub with pine-needle-like leaves and bright scarlet-orange tubular flowers identifies the species in garden settings.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10" - 1'3"

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

orange

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer

Narrow tubular flowers 1–1.2 inches (2.5–3 cm) long open in bright scarlet-orange coloration in loose terminal racemes from June through September. Fresh bloom duration runs 8–12 weeks. The scarlet-orange tubular flower form positions the species as a primary hummingbird plant across the summer garden season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright scarlet-orange; narrow tubular 1-1.2 inches; loose terminal racemes; June-September

Foliage Description

Bright to dark green; needle-like leaves 0.5-1 inch; densely packed on wiry stems; pine-needle-like texture; evergreen retention

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun in sharply drained lean rocky or sandy soil (pH 6.0–8.0) matches the species' cultivation needs. Hardy to zone 4 (−30°F / −34°C). Sharp drainage is essential because wet winter conditions rot the crown within a single season. Drought tolerance develops rapidly after establishment, and mature plants handle extended summer drought without supplementary irrigation. Lean soil supports compact growth—rich soil or fertilizer application causes floppy elongated stems that lose the species' characteristic dense habit. Soil amendment and fertilization are avoided across the species' care cycle.

Pruning

Light trimming in early spring removes dead stem tips and maintains compact form. Hard cutback is avoided because the subshrubby woody framework is the species' growing structure and severe cutback below the woody zone fails to regenerate from the crown.

Pruning Schedule

early spring