Penstemon speciosus (Royal Penstemon) is a clump-forming perennial with several ascending to erect stems boasting charming wands of sky blue flowers, 1.5 in. long (4 cm), in late spring to mid-summer. The blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and numerous pollinators. Arising from a branched caudex, the stems are clad with oppositely arranged, narrow, spoon-shaped leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm). Royal Penstemon is a good plant for water-wise landscaping, rock gardens, desert gardens, and other ornamental plantings. Royal Penstemon is also chiefly used in wildlife habitat enhancement projects and restoration efforts.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in loam to fine sandy loam, 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. Keep an eye out for penstemon borers, Lygus bugs, and raceme-boring moths.
• Propagate by seed or half-woody cuttings.
• Native to the western United States from western Utah, southern Idaho, and most of Nevada and into east Cascade and Sierra portions of Washington, Oregon, and California.