Penstemon mensarum (Grand Mesa Beardtongue)
Grand Mesa Beardtongue, Grand Mesa Penstemon, Tiger Beardtongue
Native to western Colorado, Penstemon mensarum (Grand Mesa Beardtongue) is an evergreen perennial boasting showy spires of brilliant cobalt blue flowers, a shade of blue rarely seen in gardens. Blooming for several weeks in late spring and early summer, they rise on upright stems well above a compact basal rosette. The tubular flowers attract scores of hummingbirds, bumblebees and other beneficial pollinators. The shiny blue-green foliage turns reddish-orange in the fall. The beautiful flowers and handsome evergreen foliage make Penstemon mensarum attractive for ornamental and landscape plantings. Easy to grow, fuss-free, water-wise, it is perfect for perennial borders, rock gardens and xeriscape gardens.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerates some shade and thrives with moderate watering.
- Provides a bold and striking impact in beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens or in containers. Plant in bold groupings.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
- Deadhead after flowering to promote vigor.
- Propagation by seed or by basal stem cuttings.
- Native to western Colorado.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 10 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Penstemon - Beardtongues |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Rocky Mountains, Colorado |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Goran Bogicevic, Shutterstock
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 10 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Penstemon - Beardtongues |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Rocky Mountains, Colorado |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |