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Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain Beardtongue)

Rocky Mountain Penstemon, Rocky Mountain Beardtongue, Strict Beardtongue, Toadflax Beardtongue

Penstemon strictus,  Rocky Mountain Penstemon, Rocky Mountain Beardtongue, Blue Penstemon

A long-lived western native, Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain Beardtongue) is an evergreen perennial boasting abundant spires of large, royal-blue to purple flowers rising above a low foliage mat. Blooming for several weeks in late spring and early summer, the tubular flowers attract scores of hummingbirds, bumblebees, and other beneficial pollinators. The lustrous emerald green leaves, ranging from grass-like to lance-shaped, remain fresh-looking year-round. The beautiful flowers and handsome evergreen foliage make Penstemon strictus attractive for ornamental and landscape plantings. Easy to grow, fuss-free, water-wise, it is perfect for the sunny garden.

  • Grows up to 18-30 in. tall and wide (45-75 cm). Self-sows mildly
  • Performs best in full sun in light, dry, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerates heavy soils and moisture better than most penstemons.
  • 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.
  • Deadhead after flowering to promote vigor.
  • Propagation by seed or root division. Barely scratch seeds into the soil in fall. Make root divisions in early spring, making sure each division has at least one bud.
  • Native from southern Wyoming to Arizona and New Mexico.

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 3 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 10, 11, 12, 13
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Common names Beardtongue, Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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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 3 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 10, 11, 12, 13
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Common names Beardtongue, Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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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