Native to southern California, Arizona and Utah, it thrives in arid climates and dry, sandy soils. Bloom Time: Early Summer . A California native, ‘Electric Blue’ is tolerant of drought and coastal climates. long (2.5 cm), from late spring to midsummer. Native to the Southwest, it grows best in dry climates. Too much water and excess nutrients can cause damage to the roots, which will create an ideal environment for infections as well as cause a decline in the plant's overall vigor. (Zones: 4-8; Height: 2 to 3 feet; Bloom time: June to September), Native to the northern Great Plains and northeastern states, this species is more tolerant of high humidity and moist soil than those of western origin. (Zones: 6-10; Height: 1 to 1½ feet; Bloom time: May to June), Firecracker penstemon. Beardtongues bloom on new growth, which emerges from the tips of the vertical stalks. As the name implies, 'Electric Blue' has iridescent bright-blue flowers that seem to light up the garden with their intensity. ‘Mystica’ is an offspring of ‘Husker Red’ and every bit as showy. Another variety with colorful foliage, ‘Husker Red’ features striking maroon-red leaves that rival the bronzy purple foliage of ‘Palace Purple’ heuchera. In early summer, airy spires of white flowers with just the faintest blush of pink emerge, creating a striking contrast with the dark foliage. The tubular flowers bloom for a long time in summer, attracting hummingbirds. exist in the wild in a range stretching from Alaska to Central America. Family: Scrophulariaceae Botanical Name: Penstemon eatonii Water Usage: Low Penstemons in Bloom Submitted May 30, 2013 at 4:58 PM As the Garden springs back to life in leaps and bounds, one flower always makes a statement, the Penstemon. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. On this page: Basics | Types | Growing Guide | Penstemon Pictures | Design Ideas. The elegant trumpet-shaped flowers are white or pale pink with the inner surfaces often marked by violet-colored nectar guides. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. 18-24" tall x … The blooms look great in a garden setting and ma… Penstemon is a highly attractive and popular flowering plant. Penstemons need little pruning, but removing the stems after flowering is complete will often promote new foliage growth and a second flush of blooms. Some species have tubular flowers that are beloved by hummingbirds. If you are growing species native to your area, you will rarely have to give them supplemental water after they become well established. Photo by: InfoFlowersPlants / Shutterstock. The beautiful spires of tubular blossoms add loads of color to the garden and are beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies alike. One of the showiest native penstemons, Beardtongue can reach heights of three feet with stunning lavender-pink flowers. University of California Integrated Pest Management, U.S. Department of Agriculture NCRS Plant Fact Sheet: Penstemon, Yerba Buena Nursery: Basic Pruning and Deadheading Techniques for Common California Native Plants, National Gardening Association Plant Care Guides: Penstemon, University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Fusarium Wilt, Basal Rot. In early summer, right after your spring bloomers have faded, they fill the garden with spires of foxglove-like flowers in hues ranging from soft pinks and lavenders to bold, fiery reds and electrifying blues. These are some of the most adaptable and widely available choices: A showy plant with erect spikes of 2-inch-long reddish-orange flowers and glossy lance-shaped leaves. Photo by: Detail Photography / Alamy Stock Photo. Prune away the old flowers as they begin to fade and die back. 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