Perennial- Penstemon, Showy
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Common Name: Showy Penstemon, Royal Beardtongue
Botanical Name: Penstemon spectabilis
Family: Plantaginaceae
Description: Evergreen perennial, native to California southern coastal hills and dry creek beds
Sun: Full or part
Water: Very drought tolerant
Soil: Well-drained
Habit and form: Upright growth 2-3 feet tall. Coarse textured leaves are large, bright green, oval, and toothed. Showy flowers on spikes
Flower type: Long, tubular flowers; each flower stalk can have up to 100 1-inch blossoms
Flower color & bloom season: Flower petals are blue, tubular part is light purple. Very showy. Blooms April through June
Uses, if any, for plant and/or flowers: Attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators, including native bees
Pruning time & method: Trim back old growth in early spring when new growth appears
Maintenance tips: Divide in spring; can grow from seed
