1 / 3

Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Penstemon strictus

Rocky Mountain Beardtongue

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to midsummer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)