Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Plantaginaceae

Genus:

Penstemon

Species:

Penstemon aridus

USDA Symbol:

PEAR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

20 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

blue, lavender, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, hummingbirds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown following fire; associated with fire-maintained sagebrush-steppe communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

gritty, well-drained sandy soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid regions, prefers dry conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Requires light for germination; sow seeds on surface and do not cover.