Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Penstemon strictus
Rocky Mountain Beardtongue
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Height
- 2 ft to 3 ft
- Width
- 1.5 ft to 2 ft
- Flower color
- Tubular deep violet blue flowers borne on tall upright spikes
- Foliage color
- Narrow deep green leaves forming a dense upright clump at the base
- Bloom time
- Late spring to midsummer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flower spikes and avoid excessive winter moisture
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and pollinators attracted to nectar rich flowers
About this plant
Penstemon strictus produces upright spikes of tubular violet-blue flowers in late spring to early summer, creating a colorful display that attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves are deep green and arranged along sturdy stems. The flowers open sequentially along each spike, extending the bloom period while adding vertical texture and movement to the garden.
Native to the Rocky Mountain region of the western United States, this species is adapted to open meadows and foothill landscapes. It is well suited to borders, naturalistic plantings, pollinator gardens, and meadow-style designs, where its colorful flower spikes and architectural form contribute seasonal interest and habitat value.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Coneflowers · Salvias · Shasta daisies · Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
