foothill beardtongue
Penstemon heterophyllus
USDA zones7 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall4 to 5 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Blue , purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Foothill beardtongue (Penstemon heterophyllus) is a perennial for borders, containers, and xeriscape beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Blue to purple flowers open among dark-green foliage and attract hummingbirds and bees. Trim the flower heads after blooming to encourage a second flowering.
Pairs well with Prairie flax, California brittlebush, and Fireweed.
Native range
CA.