Calling out for attention, Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP' (Foothill Beardtongue) is a clump-forming evergreen perennial boasting a spectacular display of wide-mouthed, tubular violet-blue flowers eventually aging to reddish-purple. Blooming profusely in spring and summer, the blossoms are borne on upright, branching stems and rise well above the foliage of narrow, shiny, blue-green leaves. They attract scores of hummingbirds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Long-lived, easy to grow, fuss-free, deer resistant, Foothill Beardtongue 'Margarita BOP' is a seed strain of the outstanding California native Penstemon heterophyllus. It is perfect for the sunny water-wise garden and looks dramatic planted in masses in a dry mixed border.

• Grows up to 24 in. tall and wide (60 cm). Often self-seeds in the garden.
• Performs best in full sun in moderately fertile, sharply-drained soils. Water three times per month in summer once established. Drought tolerant.
• Provides a charming impact in beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens. Plant in bold groupings.
• Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, aphids, leaf and bud eelworm, grey mould, powdery mildew and fungal leaf spot. Deer resistant.
• Prune any winter-damaged stems back hard to encourage fresh new growth from the base. After flowering, shorten flowered stems by half (unless seed is required) to promote more blooms.
• Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer or propagate by division.