Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Penstemon pinifolius
Pineleaf Penstemon
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- Bright orange red tubular flowers held above the foliage
- Foliage color
- Fine needlelike bright green foliage forming a dense evergreen mound
- Bloom time
- Late spring to mid summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate moisture
- Maintenance
- Low; avoid overly rich soil and trim lightly after flowering to maintain compact growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts hummingbirds and bees
About this plant
Penstemon pinifolius forms dense mats of slender, needle like green leaves that give the plant a finely textured appearance throughout the growing season. The evergreen foliage resembles small pine needles arranged along wiry stems. From late spring into early summer, clusters of small tubular flowers appear in vivid orange red, held just above the foliage and continuing in waves that attract hummingbirds.
Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the species grows in rocky slopes and open mountain landscapes. In garden settings, it is valued for rock gardens, gravel plantings, and sunny borders, where the fine foliage and bright flowers bring color and texture.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers · Salvias · Shasta daisies
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
