Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Plantaginaceae

Genus:

Penstemon

Species:

Penstemon murrayanus

USDA Symbol:

PEMU2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

red, scarlet

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Hummingbirds:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

hummingbirds, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rootstock following fire; associated with fire-maintained grasslands and openings.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Prefers open, sunny locations typical of its native range

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Light aids germination; sow seeds on surface or barely cover.