Description
The common names for this species, showy penstemon or royal penstemon, says it all. This gorgeous, showy penstemon is native to the western U.S., including some locations in the Klamath-Siskiyou region, including the Scott River Valley, along the Klamath River, the Applegate foothills, the Siskiyou Crest, and a few locations in the Kalmiopsis and Illinois Valley area. Showy penstemon is an herbaceous perennial with large basal leaves that form a mat at the base of the plant. The violet-blue to lavender or purple tubular flowers are whorled along 4″-24″ tall stems. The plant can grow pretty small or quite tall, depending on soil conditions. Showy penstemon blooms May-July, depending on elevation. It grows well on infertile, well-drained, or disturbed soil in harsh, sunbaked conditions. Although usually found in sunny locations it will tolerate some part-shade. Showy penstemon is typically found in rocky locations in pinyon-juniper, sagebrush scrub, northern juniper woodlands, openings in ponderosa pine or mixed conifer forests, foothill scrub, and open montane habitat, including openings in subalpine forests. Grow in well drained rocky or sandy soil in full sun to part shade, and after established water only minimally, as this species is very drought tolerant. Showy penstemon is highly attractive to hummingbirds, bumble bees and other native pollinators.
Showy penstemon (Penstemon speciosus) seed packets contain approximately 135 seeds.
Seed Germination Instructions
30-60 days cold-moist stratification Sow outside in fall to late winter.
