Penstemon spectabilis

Common Name:
Royal beardtongue
Plant Type:
Evergreen perennial
Family:
Plantaginaceae (formerly in Scrophulariaceae)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
2 feet+
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Spring and summer

Flower Color:
Bright blue
Exposure:
Full sun
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Occasional to little watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 10 degrees F. or less

Sturdy large-leaved perennial makes upright stems of blue purple flowers that are showy in spring and early summer. Native habitat is southern California and the Southwest where it brightens dry creek beds and hillsides in spring.