Penstemon spectabilis

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Royal Beard Tongue, Showy Penstemon

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Information by: Jerry Sortomme Editor Photographer: Susan Frommer

Description

This shrubby perennial produces spectacular, blue purple, tubular flowers on spikes, which is quite attractive to hummingbirds. Royal Beard Tongue can reach a mature size of about 3'-4' tall and wide. It is native to Southern California. It is best planted in the fall and blooms from spring through summer.

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Blue, Lavender, Purple

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Grey Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Filler, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

Different areas of your landscape have different water requirements.

Shrubs need much less water than lawns and drip systems should never be scheduled on the same program with lawns.

Establish separate watering schedules for those areas.