royal penstemon
Penstemon speciosus
USDA zones3 to 10
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Royal penstemon (Penstemon speciosus) is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. Tall stems hold long spikes of sky blue to lavender-pink flowers in spring and summer. Hummingbirds and bees visit the tubular blooms.
Pairs well with Prairie flax, Scarlet gilia, and Big sagebrush.
Native range
CA, ID, NV, OR, and 2 more places. See all 6
CA, ID, NV, OR, UT, and WA.