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Penstemon mensarum (Grand Mesa Beardtongue)

Grand Mesa Beardtongue, Grand Mesa Penstemon, Tiger Beardtongue

Penstemon mensarum,  Grand Mesa Beardtongue, Grand Mesa Penstemon, Tiger Beardtongue, Blue Penstemon

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, and 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 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.

Penstemon: How to Grow and Care with Success


Properly growing Penstemon ensures robust, vibrant blooms and foliage, enhances garden biodiversity by attracting pollinators, prevents disease, and maintains plant health. Thriving plants provide longer-lasting beauty and environmental benefits, contributing positively to local ecosystems and the aesthetic value of your landscape.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Common names Penstemon, Beardtongue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs 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 Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Penstemon (Beardtongue)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Penstemon pallidus (Pale Beardtongue)
Penstemon pseudospectabilis (Desert Beardtongue)
Penstemon parryi (Parry’s Beardtongue)
Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Electric Blue’ (Foothill Beardtongue)
Penstemon ‘Evelyn’ (Beardtongue)
Penstemon ovatus (Eggleaf Beardtongue)

Recommended Companion Plants

Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’
Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
Penstemon and Pollinators: A Harmonious Dance in the Garden
Thriving in Thirst: Colorful Penstemons for Water-Wise Landscapes
Penstemon: How to Grow and Care with Success
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
How to Cultivate a Thriving Bee-Friendly Garden
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
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 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Common names Penstemon, Beardtongue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs 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 Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Not sure which Penstemon (Beardtongue) to pick?
Compare Now

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