Scientific Name
Penstemon acuminatus Douglas ex Lindl.
Common Name(s)
Sharpleaf Penstemon, Sand-dune Penstemon
Synonym(s)
Penstemon amplexicaulis
Scientific Classification
Family: Plantaginaceae
Tribe: Cheloneae
Genus: Penstemon
Flower
Color: Blue, purple, or pink
Bloom Time: Late spring
Description
Penstemon acuminatus is a perennial herb with one or more erect stems that grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The basal leaves are up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. They may clasp the stem at their bases. The fleshy leaves and the stem may be waxy in texture. Flowers are blue, purple, or pink with wide throats and flaring corollas. They are tubular and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. The staminode has a beard of yellow hair.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 4a to 9b: from −30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The best location for this plant is in a full sun area with well-draining soil. Penstemon care and maintenance are minimal if the site and moisture requirements are met. Poorly draining soils and freezing temperatures while the plant is still active are the biggest causes of plant mortality.
The perennial is remarkably tolerant of drought conditions and is a stalwart presence in even low nutrient soils. It has had to be adaptable to thrive in windy, exposed areas of mountain foothills.
You can grow Penstemon from seed. They begin as rosettes low to the ground before forming the characteristic flower stalk. Indoor sowing should begin in late winter. Seedlings are ready to transplant when they have a second set of true leaves. Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart and mix in a little compost at planting time to help conserve water and increase porosity.
Water the young plants at least once per week as they establish. You can reduce watering as the plant matures. Mulch around the plants to help protect the roots from winter's cold and prevents spring weeds.
See more at: How to Grow and Care for Penstemon.
Origin
This species is native to the northwestern United States, and it occurs in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada.
Links
- Back to genus Penstemon
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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