Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Plantaginaceae

Genus:

Penstemon

Species:

Penstemon havardii

USDA Symbol:

PEHA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

150 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

red

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

hummingbirds, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from crown following fire; adapted to Chihuahuan Desert fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

gravelly, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.5 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky slopes and desert areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI