Grinnell's Beardtongue

Penstemon grinnellii

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Genus:
Penstemon
Species:
Penstemon grinnellii
USDA Symbol:
PEGR8

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to chaparral and dry slopes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to improve germination; surface sow on well-drained medium.

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Most interbreed and seed may not be what is labelled; germinates best with stored seed, even as long as 10 years at 20°

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society