Penstemon palmeri (Scented Penstemon)

Exquisitely fragrant, Penstemon palmeri (Scented Penstemon) is a showy evergreen perennial with sub-woody, branched stems boasting long stalks adorned with a profusion of large, scented, puffed-up blossoms in late spring to early summer. Borne in clusters of 2-4 blossoms, each white flower tinged with pink features prominent red-violet colored guidelines on the lower lip and inside their strongly inflated throat. They attract bumblebees, carpenter bees, and digger bees. The flowers rise above the foliage of oppositely arranged, fleshy, gray-blue, dentate leaves, up to 4 in. long (10 cm). The succulent foliage is selectively used by small birds, big game, and livestock, and provides high-quality forage during the winter. Scented Penstemon has a deep fibrous taproot that makes it a good plant for water-wise landscaping, rock gardens, desert gardens, and other ornamental plantings. Scented Penstemon also provides good ground cover for controlling erosion and stabilizing disturbed and burned sites. One of the most delightful species of Penstemon with its persistent foliage and abundant, fragrant flowers, Scented Penstemon adds lovely vertical lines in ornamental settings.

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in dry, rocky, well-drained soils. It does not grow well in areas with poor drainage. Drought tolerant once established. Penstemons need very little water and barely any fertilizer.
• Provides a bold impact in beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, or in prairie plantings. Great for naturalistic planting schemes.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed or half-woody cuttings. Germination is best with cold-moist stratification.
• Native to the western United States from Wyoming south to New Mexico and westward to California.