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Rocky Mountain Penstemon

Penstemon strictus

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per Plant - 5" Deep Pot
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ZONES  4-9 | Good to grow! Zone
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• Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain Beardtongue) with its spikes of bright blue flowers and evergreen foliage, is one of the easiest-to-grow Penstemon
• Bright blue and violet blossoms attract pollinators in mid to late spring
• Long-lived, this beauty thrives in most any well-drained soil with full sun exposure
• Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric)

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Description

24" tall x 36" wide (seed propagated). A native beardtongue of the foothills and mountains of the southern Rockies, this plant grows easily over a wide range of the western U.S. The tall showy spikes of intense blue-purple flowers last for over a month in late spring. Spreading steadily via stolons to form large clumps, Penstemon strictus is one of the longest-lived, most easily grown of the Penstemons. A real show stopper! Cut off flowering spikes after bloom; leave a few if reseeding is desirable.

Planting & Care

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 Grow.

*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: Growing Penstemon, The Beardtongue Family: Penstemania for Penstemon.

Shipping

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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 fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-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 at (802) 227-7200 or contact us by email or chat.

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Key Features

Advantages

  • Bee Friendly
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Attracts Birds
  • Attracts Beneficial Insects
  • Native
  • Naturalizes
  • Evergreen
  • Easy To Grow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Erosion Control
  • Rock Gardens
  • Deer Resistant
  • Rabbit Resistant

Light Requirements

  • Full Sun

Bloom Time

Mid to late spring

Additional information

Planting Time

  • Spring / Summer

Soil Moisture

  • Waterwise

Soil Type

  • Average Soil
  • Sandy Soil

Mature Height

24-30" tall

Mature Spread

36" wide

Growing Zones

  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

Ideal Region

  • Suitable Above 7000 ft
  • Southwest
  • West
  • Western Only

Non-GMO

No

Ships As

Potted Plant

Can Send To PO Box

No
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