Elfin Pink Penstemon

'Elfin Pink' is a showy beardtongue with late spring blooming spikes of bright pink flowers. 'Elfin Pink' is more tolerant of richer soils and moister conditions than most beardtongues making it a great choice for much of the U.S. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).
Zones4 - 9
Advantages
bee-friendly
Bee Friendly
attract-butterflies
Attract Butterflies
attract-hummingbirds
Attract Hummingbirds
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Attract Birds
hcg-deer-resistant-icon
Deer Resistant
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Native
multiplies--naturalizes
Multiplies / Naturalizes
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Easy To Grow
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Good For Cut Flowers
containers
Good For Containers
hcg-rabbit-resistant-icon
Rabbit Resistant
Light Requirements
full-sun
Full Sun
Water Tolerance
Low-Water
Mature Height 12-18" tall
Mature Spread15" wide
Bloom TimeSummer
Shipping DetailsNow shipping to zone 10.
Other zones shipping soon.
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Item Package SizePlant - 5" Deep Pot
SKUHC014668

USDA Hardiness Planting Zones

To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.

  • If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will survive the winter temperatures in your area.
  • If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).

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Per Plant - 5" Deep Pot
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SKU
HC014668
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Details
12-18" tall x 15" wide (cutting propagated). This cultivar is well suited to all areas of the West. It adapts better than many "xeric native species" in areas with more heat and humidity, like the Midwest and eastern U.S. 'Elfin Pink' likes a well-drained, compost enriched garden soil and more regular watering for best results. Shown growing with "Chrysanthemum 'Snow Cap'". Remove spent flowers spikes. Lightly prune untidy growth.
More Information
SKUHC014668
Item Package Size
Plant - 5" Deep Pot
Common Name
Elfin Pink Beardtongue
Botanical Name
Penstemon barbatus Elfin Pink
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Flower Color
Pink
Mature Height
12-18" tall
Mature Spread
15" wide
Bloom Time
Summer
Ships As
Potted Plant
Soil Type
Low Fertility Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Soil Moisture
Waterwise
Advantages
Bee Friendly, Attract Butterflies, Attract Hummingbirds, Attract Birds, Deer Resistant, Native, Multiplies / Naturalizes, Easy To Grow, Good For Cut Flowers, Good For Containers, Rabbit Resistant
Ideal Region
Anywhere In The US, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, Suitable Above 7000 ft
Planting Time
Spring / Summer, Fall
Native To
North America
Ships To Canada
No
Planting Guides

Tips for growing Penstemon (Beardtongue)

Penstemon are generally evergreen and have beautiful flowers that are very attractive to hummingbirds. Most varieties are rabbit resistant.

  1. They need “elbow room,” maximum sun, heat and don’t like to be crowded by other plants.
  2. Plant only in well-drained soils; clay soils and Penstemon are incompatible.
  3. Avoid overly enriched soils; too much compost and fertilizer will shorten their lifespan.
  4. They establish quickly and the amount and frequency of watering needs to be reduced after about 8 to 10 weeks to create dry conditions.
  5. When using drip irrigation, be sure to put the emitter off to the side of the plant, not right on top of the root ball to avoid overwatering the plant.
  6. Plant high, leaving the top of the rootball just above the surrounding soil to avoid burying the crown of the plant.
  7. Mulch with gravel or pine needles in arid climates. No mulch is needed where conditions are moister. Always avoid bark, grass clippings, or compost as mulch materials.
  8. Allow some of the plants to set seed (don't deadhead all of the flower spikes)*.
  9. Fertilize sparingly. One time each year in the fall is enough. Apply a light application of an organic or natural fertilizer such as Yum Yum Mix as a top dressing around the plants. Don't use high nitrogen water soluble fertilizer like Miracle Gro

*To keep penstemon that have finely textured or matted evergreen foliage looking their best, you'll want to 'deadhead" them. Shear off the fading flowering spikes just as the plant is going out of flower. Gently bunch the flower spikes together with one hand and cut them off at the point where they go down into the mat of foliage with your clipper in your other hand. Recommended for the following varieties: P. pinifolius types (‘Compactum', ‘Mersea Yellow', ‘Nearly Red', ‘Magdalena Sunshine' and ‘Tall Orange Mix'), as well as Penstemon linarioides v. coloradensis and Penstemon virens ('Blue Lips').

More in-depth guidance for growing Penstemon: Watch our video: How To Plant Penstemon or read articles: Growing Penstemon, Penstemon for the Waterwise Garden, David’s Favorite Plants: Pineleaf Beardtongue, The Beardtongue Family: Penstemania for Penstemon and The Genus Penstemon: The Royalty of American Wildflowers The Genus Penstemon: The Royalty of American Wildflowers (Part 2).


View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
ZoneShipping Status
Zone 2Shipping begins the week of May 15th, 2023
Zone 3Shipping begins the week of May 15th, 2023
Zone 4Shipping begins the week of May 15th, 2023
Zone 5Shipping begins the week of May 1st, 2023
Zone 6Shipping begins the week of April 17th, 2023
Zone 7Shipping begins the week of April 3rd, 2023
Zone 8Shipping begins the week of April 3rd, 2023
Zone 9Shipping begins the week of April 3rd, 2023
Zone 10Now Shipping

As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.

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