Penstemon ambiguus

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Prairie or Sand Penstemon

 
Plant photo of: Penstemon ambiguus
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme - Editor        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Shrub like forming a semi-woody mound to 3' May thru Sept, covered with masses of pale pink to white flowers. Narrow bright green leaves tend to drop in winter. In very cold situations, might freeze back but recovers in spring. Suited to middle desert, native to elevations from 4500-6000' on sandy or gravelly soil. In Albuquerque bloom thru summer. Tends to rot out in low desert summers. Insists on good drainage and will not tolerate over-watering. Extremely drought tolerant

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Light Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.

Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.