Penstemon Mix (Seed)

This mix contains two species of penstemon.
Penstemon albertinus
Penstemon wilcoxii

Ecoregions: 15 - 17 (Level III)

Natural Habitat: Dry grasslands, foothills, open slopes, rocky hillsides, and sagebrush steppe. Common in well-drained soils across open, sunny landscapes, including roadsides and restoration sites.

Life Cycle: Perennial

Rhizomatous: No

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Bloom Color: Blue to blue-violet, lavender, or blue-purple

Height: 12 to 30 inches

Elevation Range: Up to approximately 8,000 ft

Cold Hardiness: Zone 3 – 7

Soil Preference: Prefers dry to moderately dry, well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils. Does not tolerate heavy, compacted, or poorly drained soils.

Alkali/Saline Soil Tolerance: Moderate tolerance to alkaline soils; low tolerance for saline soils.

Minimum Annual Precipitation: 10 – 18 inches

Drought Tolerance: High once established

Disturbance: Establishes readily in disturbed areas such as roadsides and reclamation sites, while also persisting in stable native grassland and sagebrush communities.

Potential Pests/Disease: Generally low pest and disease pressure; susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.

Deer Resistance: Moderate

Wildlife Value:
• Important nectar source for native pollinators, particularly bumble bees and other native bees