Penstemon spectabilis

Common Names

Showy Penstemon, Showy Beardtongue, Royal Penstemon

Summary

Showy Penstemon is a drought-tolerant, evergreen perennial native to southern California and Baja California, commonly found in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and dry rocky slopes. It grows as an upright clump about 2–4 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide, with lance-shaped to oval leaves that clasp the stems. In spring it produces a spectacular display of wide-mouthed tubular flowers in lavender to purple-blue along leafy stalks, with a two-lipped corolla featuring reddish nectar guides that attract bees and hummingbirds.

In cultivation it prefers full sun and well-drained soils, with very low water once established and avoidance of overwatering. It is hardy in USDA zones 7–10 and tolerates cold to about 0°F. The plant can self-seed and propagate from seed or cuttings, making it suitable for borders and back-of-border accents in pollinator-friendly landscapes; after flowering, pruning encourages new growth and it is deer resistant and attractive to bees and hummingbirds.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-4 feet

Spread

3-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade

Soil Type

Well-draining, dry loamy, gravelly, sandy, or rocky soil; pH 6.0–7.5

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.0-7.5

Bloom Color

Blue to purple to lavender

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, Hummingbirds, Birds