scented penstemon
Penstemon palmeri
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size4 to 6 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Scented penstemon (Penstemon palmeri) is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Its fragrant white flowers open in spring and summer on stems that can reach 4 to 5 feet, and hummingbirds and bees visit them. Deer tend to pass it by. Its grayish leaves stay evergreen.
Pairs well with Big sagebrush, Apache plume, Utah agave, and Desert willow.
Native range
AZ, CA, ID, NM, and 2 more places. See all 6
AZ, CA, ID, NM, NV, and UT.