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Penstemon pinifolius (Pineleaf)

Pineleaf Penstemon

Penstemon pinifolius (Pineleaf Beardtougue) is one of the very best western Penstemon, blooming in late spring, with a phenomenal display of bright-orange tubular flowers held over attractive, evergreen pine needle-like foliage.
Zones4 - 9
Advantages
Attract Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
Native
Evergreen
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
Annual Rainfall
10 to 20"
20 to 30"
30 to 40" (with care)
Mature Height10-12" tall
Mature Spread12-18" wide
Bloom TimeLate spring to Mid summer
ShippingNo longer available this season. Learn More…
SizePlant - 5" Deep Pot
SKUHC015434

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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HC015434
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10-12" tall x 12-18" wide. Penstemon pinifolius (Pineleaf Beardtongue) Compact, hardy and water thrifty, the red-orange tubular flowers of P. pinifolius, set the late spring garden ablaze in color. Out of flower, the plant resembles a tiny mugo pine with thin, evergreen leaves held on tidy stems giving the plant year-round interest in the waterwise landscape. A little known native species native to southern New Mexico and eastern Arizona.
More Information
SKUHC015434
Item Package Size
Plant - 5" Deep Pot
Common Name
Pineleaf Penstemon
Botanical Name
Penstemon pinifolius
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
Flower Color
Red, Orange
Mature Height
10-12" tall
Mature Spread
12-18" wide
Bloom Time
Late spring to Mid summer
Ships As
Potted Plant
Evergreen Foliage
Yes
Soil Type
Sandy Soil, Average Soil, Low Fertility Soil
Soil Moisture
Drought Resistant / Waterwise
Amount Of Rain
10 to 20", 20 to 30", 30 to 40" (with care)
Advantages
Attract Hummingbirds, Bee Friendly, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Native, Evergreen
Additional Information
Grown by our friends at Perennial Favorites in Layton, UT
Ideal Region
Anywhere In The US, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, Suitable Above 7000 ft
Planting Time
Spring / Summer, Fall
Native To
North America
Item Unit Of Measure
Plant
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

No longer available this season.

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, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you need express shipping or have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.

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