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Penstemon confertus (Yellow Penstemon)

Yellow Penstemon, Yellow Beardtongue

Penstemon confertus, Yellow Penstemon, Yellow Beardtongue
Penstemon confertus, Yellow Penstemon, Yellow Beardtongue
Penstemon confertus, Yellow Penstemon, Yellow Beardtongue

Noted for its unusual color, Penstemon confertus (Yellow Penstemon) is a perennial or subshrub with upright stems boasting showy wands of very pale, soft yellow, tiny flowers in mid-summer. Blooming profusely for several weeks, the blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers are carried above a foliage mat of bright green, lance-shaped leaves. 1-4 in. long (2-10 cm). Yellow Penstemon is commonly found in the moist prairies and meadows, forest openings, at mid-elevations in the mountains of western North America. Easy to grow, it is evergreen in mild winters and an excellent pollinator plant.

  • Grows up to 10-20 in. tall (25-50 cm) and 20 in. wide (50 cm). Will self-seed freely if not deadheaded.
  • Performs best in full sun in dry to moist, well-drained soils. It does not grow well in areas with poor drainage. Very cold-hardy, but some protection from winter wet is beneficial.
  • Provides a bold impact in cottage gardens, rock gardens, or in prairie plantings. Great for naturalistic planting schemes.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by seed, cuttings, or division.
  • Native to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid)
Height 10" - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 20" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, United States, Washington
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls', Onyx and Pearls Beardtongue, Beardtongue 'Onyx and Pearls', White Penstemon, White Beardtongue, Black Penstemon, Black Beardtongue
Penstemon centranthifolius, Scarlet Bugler, Red Penstemon, Red Beardtongue, California Native Perennial, California Native Plant
Penstemon heterophyllus, Bunchleaf Penstemon, Bunchleaf Beardtongue, Foothill Penstemon, Foothill Beardtongue, California Native Plants
Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade',  Beardtongue 'Midnight Masquerade', Purple Penstemon, Purple Beardtongue, Lavender Penstemon, Lavender Beardtongue
Penstemon serrulatus, Serrulate Penstemon, Serrulate Beardtongue, Cascade Penstemon, Cascade Beardtongue, Coast Penstemon, Coast Beardtongue, Purple Penstemon, Purple Beardtongue
Penstemon palmeri, Palmer's Penstemon, Palmer's Beardtongue, Scented Penstemon, Scented Beardtongue, Pink Penstemon, Pink Beardtongue

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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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid)
Height 10" - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 20" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, United States, Washington
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Penstemon
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Penstemon
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