Create Your Garden

Thriving in Thirst: Colorful Penstemons for Water-Wise Landscapes

While most penstemons have some level of drought resistance, certain species are particularly well-suited to dry conditions.

Penstemon pinifolius, Drought tolerant Penstemon

Penstemon: A Symphony of Color and Elegance in Your Water-Wise Garden

Penstemons, with their captivating bell-shaped flowers and hardy nature, are a cornerstone of water-wise gardens, especially those in arid or drought-prone areas. They not only add a burst of color to landscapes but also perform exceptionally well under minimal water conditions.

Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a versatile genus of flowering plants primarily native to North America, celebrated for its vibrant blooms and adaptability to various garden settings. Comprising over 250 species, Penstemons boast a diverse range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a favorite among gardeners seeking to inject a splash of color into their landscapes.

Typically characterized by their spiky, upright growth habit, Penstemons can range in height from diminutive, ground-hugging varieties to robust, tall species reaching several feet. Their foliage, depending on the species, may be glossy or matte, broad or narrow, presenting in various shades of green, sometimes with a unique, silvery hue.

The flowers are the stars of the Penstemon show, with their distinctive tubular shape, often with a flared, lipped opening, reminiscent of a trumpet. These blooms cover a wide spectrum of colors — from the softest whites and pinks to deep, rich reds and purples — and are typically arranged in showy spikes that attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators.

Penstemons are renowned for their drought tolerance, making them ideal for xeriscaping and gardens in arid climates. While most penstemons have some level of drought resistance, certain species are particularly well-suited to dry conditions. Here’s a list of some of the most drought-tolerant penstemons:

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 5' (30cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Cut Flowers
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

Most Drought-Tolerant Penstemons

These Penstemons are not just survivors; they are performers, bringing dynamic colors and textures to landscapes, all without the need for abundant moisture. Their tubular, often vibrant flowers are a feast for the eyes, and their nectar-rich nature draws in hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.

In choosing Penstemons for a drought-prone area, consider the local climate and soil type. These plants prefer well-draining soils and will thrive in areas with full to partial sun exposure. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common issue with Penstemons, so it’s essential to let the soil dry out between waterings.

Additionally, while established Penstemons are drought-tolerant, new plantings do require regular watering until they’re well-rooted. Once they’re established, they can handle, and even thrive, with less frequent watering, making them a sustainable choice for gardens in areas with water scarcity.

In summary, Penstemons combine environmental resilience with ornamental appeal, making them an invaluable addition to any water-wise garden. They prove that conserving water does not mean sacrificing vibrancy or variety in designing a garden. With Penstemons, gardeners can achieve a colorful, lively landscape that’s also in tune with nature’s resources.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Compare All Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 5' (30cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Cut Flowers
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Penstemon (Beardtongue)

Related Items

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone