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.