Dusty Beardtongue

Penstemon comarrhenus

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Genus:
Penstemon
Species:
Penstemon comarrhenus

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, jun, jul
Bloom Colors:
Blue, Violet

Native Range

United States: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid, mountainous regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds require a pre-treatment of 12 weeks of winter conditions at 34°F.

Establishment: The germination rate varies depending on the timing of seeding after winter conditions. Nearly 100% of viable seeds germinated when seeded in early spring after winter conditions, while around 75% germinated when seeded in mid-spring after winter, and only 25% when seeded in late spring after winter. Further research is needed to confirm the specific length of winter conditions needed to break dormancy and allow germination.

Source: npn.rngr.net