Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Hybrid of p. Spectabilis x p. centranthifolius.

Hybrid of P. heterophyllus and P. laetus.

Penstemon hybrid.

Penstemon albomarginatus is an uncommon species of penstemon known by the common name white-margined beardtongue. It is native to the deserts of southern Nevada and western Arizona, as well as in two desert washes in the Mojave Desert in California. It is a perennial herb with several erect stems emerging from a taproot in the sand, their base buried beneath the surface. The stem branches are hairless and somewhat waxy in texture, reaching up to about 35 centimeters tall. The oppositely arranged leaves are oblong or widely lance-shaped, pale green edged in white, and up to 5 centimeters long. The inflorescence produces several purplish-pink tubular flowers between 1 and 2 centimeters long surrounded at the bases by toothed, white-edged sepals. The flower has some hairs in the mouth, but the staminode is hairless. The flowers are pollinated by vespid wasps and probably other insects, such as carabid beetles.

Penstemon anguineus is a species of penstemon known by the common name Siskiyou beardtongue. It is native to the mountains of Oregon and northern California, where it grows in coniferous forests, often in open areas left by logging operations. It is a perennial herb reaching up to about 90 centimeters in maximum height. The oppositely arranged leaves are lance-shaped to oval, the ones higher on the plant clasping the stem. The flower cluster produces several light blue or purple flowers between 1 and 2 centimeters long. The sepals and flowers are coated in hairy hairs. The inside of the flower has many long hairs and the staminode has a sparse hair coating.

Penstemon azureus is a species of penstemon known by the common name azure penstemon. It is native to the mountains of Oregon and northern California, where it grows in coniferous forests and woodlands. It is a perennial herb, woody toward the base, with many thin branches reaching up to about 70 centimeters in maximum height. The oppositely arranged leaves are linear or lance-shaped, the ones higher on the plant clasping the stem. The flower cluster produces several hairless tubular flowers in shades of blue to lavender measuring up to 3.5 centimeters long.

Azure Penstemon (Penstemon azureus var. angustissimus) is a native perennial herb that grows in central and northern California. It tends to grow in moist, open places, at elevations from 1000-2300 feet.

Azure Penstemon (Penstemon azureus var. azureus) is a native perennial herb that grows in central and northern California. It tends to grow at elevations from 1600-8200 feet.

Penstemon barnebyi is a species of penstemon known by the common names White River Valley beardtongue and Barneby's beardtongue. It is native to the mountain and basin territory of central western Nevada, where it grows in sagebrush and woodland; there is also one occurrence just over the California border. This is a hairy perennial herb with erect branches reaching 30 centimeters in maximum height. The oppositely arranged leaves are lance-shaped and up to 7. 5 centimeters long. There are usually several located around the base of the plant. The inflorescence produces tubular flowers just over a centimeter long. They are light purple with a purple-striped white throat lined with yellowish hairs. The protruding staminode is covered in bright orange hairs.

Penstemon bicolor is a species of penstemon known by the common name pinto beardtongue. It is native to the desert mountains and valleys of southern Nevada, eastern California, and western Arizona, where it grows in scrub, woodland, and other local habitat. It is a perennial herb which may exceed one meter in maximum height. The thick, serrated leaves are oppositely arranged and some pairs are fused around the stem at the bases. The inflorescence produces tubular flowers around 2 to nearly 3 centimeters long in many shades of yellow and pink, usually with striping in the throats. The flower's throat is hairy and the staminode just inside is coated in long yellowish hairs.

Penstemon caesius is a species of penstemon known by the common name San Bernardino beardtongue. It is endemic to California, where it is known from the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, as well as the southern mountains of the Sierra Nevada. It is a member of the flora on rocky slopes and in coniferous forests and alpine habitat in the mountains. It is a perennial herb with erect branches up to about 80 centimeters in maximum height. The lower branches may be woody, the upper hairless and waxy, and the flower cluster hairy. Most of the leaves are basal on the plant, rounded or oval, and up to about 4 centimeters long. The flower cluster produces purple-blue tubular flowers roughly 2 centimeters long. The flower has a hairy outer surface, a coat of hairs inside, and a hairless staminode. The flowers of this penstemon are pollinated by bees of genus Osmia, which feed on their nectar.

Penstemon calcareus is a species of penstemon known by the common name limestone beardtongue. It is native to California, where it is known from the deserts of central San Bernardino County, as well as the Death Valley area, where its distribution extends just over the border into Nevada. It grows in scrub and woodland, often on limestone substrates. It is a perennial herb with erect branches up to about 25 centimeters in maximum height, grayish with a coating of fine hairs. The toothed, lance-shaped leaves are up to 6 centimeters long. The flower cluster produces bright pink to purplish tubular or funnel-shaped flowers between 1 and 2 centimeters long. The flower has a hairy outer surface and a staminode coated with yellow hairs.

Penstemon californicus is a species of penstemon known by the common name California penstemon. It is native to Baja California and is also known from fewer than 20 occurrences in California, mainly in Orange and Riverside Counties. It grows in the forest and woodland habitat of the Peninsular Ranges and nearby slopes. This is a perennial herb with many spreading or upright branches 30 centimeters in maximum height. The leaves are no more than 1. 5 centimeters long with linear or lance-shaped blades borne on petioles. The inflorescence produces tubular flowers between 1 and 2 centimeters long, purple to blue in color with dark-striped white throats containing hairy staminodes.

Scarlet bugler (Penstemon centranthifolius) is a striking perennial herb in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), known for its bright red to orange-red tubular flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. Native to California, it grows widely across northern, southern, and central regions.

This drought-adapted plant thrives in rocky, well-drained soils, making it a perfect addition to rock gardens, slopes, and pathways. It requires little supplemental water once established and blooms profusely in the spring. The upright, slender stems can reach over a meter in height, with thick, smooth leaves arranged in pairs along the stem.

Beyond hummingbirds, scarlet bugler also attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to a vibrant and pollinator-friendly garden. Its vivid flowers and minimal water needs make it an excellent choice for low-maintenance native plant landscapes.

Gray Beardtongue (Penstemon cinereus) is a rare native perennial herb that grows in northern California.

Penstemon cinicola is a species of penstemon known by the common name ash penstemon. It is native to northeastern California and southern Oregon, where it grows in forests and plateau habitat. It is a perennial herb with upright branches 40 centimeters in maximum height. The leaves are 3 to 6 centimeters long, linear in shape, folded lengthwise, and curved backwards. The flower cluster produces tubular flowers with wide lipped mouths. The flower is blue-purple in color, just under a centimeter long, and hairless except for hairs on the floor of the mouth and on the staminode.

Penstemon clevelandii is a species in the Plantaginaceae (Plantain) family known by the common name Cleveland's Beardtongue. It is native to southern California and Baja California, where it grows in mountain and desert habitat such as scrub, woodland, and chaparral. It is found primarily on the eastern slope of the Peninsular Range. It is a perennial herb with upright, branching stems 70 centimeters in maximum height. The thick leaves are oval in shape, sometimes toothed, 2-6 centimeters in length, and sometimes clasping or encircling the stem. The flower cluster produces tubular flowers with expanded, lipped mouths. The flower is pink to magenta in color, up to 2.4 centimeters in length, and somewhat hairy on the outer surface. The flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Overall this is a very attractive, hardy plant for inland southern gardens.

Cleveland's Beardtongue (Penstemon clevelandii var. clevelandii) is a native perennial herb that grows in Southern California, primarily in the Peninsular Range and Sonoran Desert regions. It tends to grow at elevations from 1300-4900 feet.

San Jacinto Beardtongue (Penstemon clevelandii var. connatus) is a rare native perennial herb that grows in Southern California, primarily in the Peninsular Range region.

Penstemon davidsonii is a species of penstemon known by the common name Davidson's penstemon, honoring Dr. George Davidson. It is native to North America from the Sierra Nevada Range in California and Nevada through the Coast and Cascade ranges of Oregon and Washington into British Columbia. Penstemon davidsonii is a low, mat-forming perennial up to 10 centimetres (3. 9 in) tall. The leaves are up to 1. 5 centimetres (0. 59 in) long, thick and firm, with entire to serrulate margins. The flowers are tubular, blue-lavender to purple, and large relative to the short stature of the plant. Penstemon davidsonii is included in Penstemon subgenus Dasanthera, along with P. barrettiae, P. cardwellii, P. ellipticus, P. fruticosus, P. lyallii, P. montanus, P. newberryi, and P. rupicola. Varieties: P. davidsonii var. davidsonii - Davidson's penstemonP. davidsonii var. menziesii (D. D. Keck) Cronquist - Menzies' penstemonP. davidsonii var. praeteritus Cronquist - timberline beardtongue

Davidson's Penstemon (Penstemon davidsonii var. davidsonii) is a native perennial herb that grows in central and northern California. It tends to grow in talus outcrops, at elevations from 9000-12300 feet.

Penstemon deustus is a species of penstemon known by the common names hotrock penstemon and scabland beardtongue. It is native to much of the northwestern United States from the Pacific Northwest to Wyoming, where it grows in many types of forest and open plateau habitat, often on soils heavy in volcanic rock or on limestone outcrops. It is a perennial herb with upright branches approaching 40 centimeters in maximum height. The thick leaves are lance-shaped to oval or round, and are sharply toothed. Most leaves occur low on the plant. The flower cluster produces tubular flowers with lipped, five-lobed mouths. The hairy flower is cream in color with dark lining and reaches 1.5 centimeters in length. This plant is used in wilderness revegetation and landscaping projects in its native region. It is favored for its low water needs and its abundant flowers which attract pollinators, including honey bees, bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees.

Hot Rock Beardtongue (Penstemon deustus var. pedicellatus) is a native perennial herb that grows in central and northern California. It tends to grow in Rocky volcanic places, at elevations from 3000-9800 feet.

Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is a striking perennial with bright red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. Native to Southern and Central California, it thrives in desert mountains and the Mojave Desert at elevations of 4,900–9,200 feet.

This heat-loving, drought-tolerant plant is ideal for rock gardens, desert landscapes, and interior valleys. Its long, scarlet flower spikes add vibrant color while supporting pollinators in dry, sunny gardens.

Eaton's Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii) is a native perennial herb that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the Desert Mountains and Mojave Desert regions. It tends to grow at elevations from 4900-9200 feet.

Eaton's Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii var. undosus) is a native perennial herb that grows in Southern California, primarily in the Desert Mountains and Mojave Desert regions. It tends to grow at elevations from 4900-9200 feet.

Penstemon filiformis is an uncommon species of penstemon known by the common name threadleaf beardtongue. It is endemic to the Klamath Mountains of northern California, where it grows in forest and woodland, often on serpentine soils. It is a perennial herb growing up to half a meter tall, its stem hairy and woody toward the base. The leaves are very narrow, linear and rolled to threadlike, reaching up to 7 centimeters long, those low on the plant sometimes borne in clusters. The inflorescence produces hairless, tubular or funnel-shaped blue to purple flowers just over a centimeter in length.

Penstemon floridus is a species of penstemon known by the common name Panamint beardtongue. It is native to the lower mountain and plateau areas of eastern California and western Nevada, where it grows in canyons, arroyos, and sagebrush scrub. It is a perennial herb producing erect stems sometimes exceeding one meter tall. The thick leaves are lance-shaped to oval, usually toothed and somewhat wavy, and arranged in pairs with bases clasping the stem. The hairy flower cluster produces showy flowers up to 3 centimeters long and tubular in shape with a wide throat becoming narrowed at the lipped mouth. The flowers are bright pink with darker lining inside. There are two varieties of this species. Austin's beardtongue, var. austinii, is named for Stafford Wallace Austin, collector of plants and husband of writer Mary Hunter Austin.

Austin's Beardtongue (Penstemon floridus var. austinii) is a native perennial herb that grows in southern and central California. It tends to grow in gravelly washes and canyon floors, at elevations from 3300-7900 feet.

Rose Penstemon (Penstemon floridus var. floridus) is a native perennial herb that grows in Central California, primarily in the White and Inyo Mountains and Sierra Nevada East regions. It tends to grow in gravelly washes and canyon floors, at elevations from 5200-7900 feet.

Penstemon fruticiformis is a species of penstemon known by the common name Death Valley beardtongue. It is native to the deserts and nearby mountains of eastern California and western Nevada, where it grows in rocky scrub and woodland habitat. It is known from scattered occurrences around Death Valley, and only one of the two varieties occurs on the Nevada side of the border. It is a perennial herb producing spreading, multibranched, hairless and waxy stems 30 to 60 centimeters tall. The thick leaves are generally lance-shaped, folded and rolled, and up to 6.5 centimeters in length. The flower cluster produces several white or pale pinkish-lavender flowers between 2 and 3 centimeters long. The mouth of the flower bears a stark, dark line on each of its three lower lobes, nectar guides for its pollinators which probably include native bumble bees.

Desert Beardtongue (Penstemon fruticiformis var. fruticiformis) is a native perennial herb that grows in central California. It tends to grow at elevations from 3300-3900 feet.

Penstemon gracilentus is a species of penstemon known by the common name slender beardtongue. It is native to the mountains and sagebrush plateau of northeastern California, western Nevada, and southern Oregon, where it grows in forest, woodland, and scrub habitat. It is a perennial herb producing upright branches to about 65 centimeters in maximum height, the stems developing woody bases. The leaves are up to 10 centimeters in length and linear or lance-shaped. The hairy flower cluster produces several tubular purple flowers up to 2 centimeters long. The mouth of each flower may be hairless or coated in long hairs, and the staminode usually has a coat of yellow hairs.

Penstemon grinnellii is a species of penstemon known by the common name Grinnell's beardtongue. It is endemic to California, where it can be found in several mountain ranges from those around the San Francisco Bay Area to the Sierra Nevada to the Peninsular Ranges near the Mexican border. It is a perennial herb producing upright stems growing to 85 centimeters in maximum height. The leaves are oblong, up to 9 centimeters in length, folded lengthwise and curved backward. The hairy flower cluster produces several tubular purple-tinged white or violet flowers 1 to 2 centimeters long. The mouth of the flower has three lower lobes streaked with dark lines, a hairy throat and a long-haired, protruding staminode.

Grinnell's Beardtongue (Penstemon grinnellii var. grinnellii) is a native perennial herb that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the Transverse Range and Peninsular Range regions. It tends to grow at elevations from 3000-8900 feet.

Grinnell's Beardtongue (Penstemon grinnellii var. scrophularioides) is a native perennial herb that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, the High Sierra Nevada and Transverse Range regions. It tends to grow at elevations from 1600-8200 feet.

Penstemon heterodoxus is a species of penstemon known by the common name Sierra beardtongue. It is native to California and western Nevada where it grows in several of the mountain ranges from the Klamath Mountains to the Sierra Nevada and the slopes and plateaus to the east. It grows in subalpine and alpine climates in mountain forests, meadows and talus. It is a perennial herb growing stems upright 65 centimeters in maximum height or in a low, spreading mat. The leaves are lance-shaped to oblong, the upper pairs sometimes clasping the stem. The hairy flower cluster is made up of 1 to 6 separate clusters of dark purple-blue tubular flowers each just over a centimeter long. The outer surface of the flower generally has hairy hairs, and on the inside there are hairs on the floor of the flower mouth and on the staminode.

Sierra Beardtongue (Penstemon heterodoxus var. heterodoxus) is a native perennial herb that grows in central and northern California. It tends to grow in slopes and meadows, at elevations from 6600-12800 feet.

Foothill penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus) is a stunning perennial with profuse clusters of blue to magenta tubular flowers. Foothill penstemon can be found in all major coastal mountain ranges and the northern Sierra Nevada foothills. It occurs in many local habitat types from grassland to chaparral to forests.

Foothill penstemon is a wonderful addition to front of borders. Blooming begins in May and continues for a month or two. Taking off dead flower stalks will induce more flowering. The plant’s stems can exceed 3 feet and may become woody at the base. Several cultivars have been developed for use in summer-dry climate and other low-water-use gardens, including 'Electric Blue,' 'Margarita BOP,' and 'Blue Springs' which may grow only 12 to 18 inches tall. 

This is a fast-growing, easy and hardy flowering plant that requires moderate water and sun to light shade. It is adaptable to different types of soil so long as drainage is good.  

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Easy perennial. Great white flowers to contrast with the summer orange and red CA fuchsia and blue asters. Stays in a neat mound. Be sure to cut off flower stalks for more blooms but leave some to go to seed for the birds.

Margarita BOP Penstemon is a low-growing, evergreen perennial prized for its long-lasting, vibrant blue-to-rose-purple flowers. Thought to be a hybrid of Penstemon heterophyllus and Penstemon laetus, its name comes from where it thrived with little care—“Bottom of the Porch.”

This adaptable plant flourishes in various garden settings, from borders to rock gardens and slopes. It is drought-adapted once established and benefits from cutting back spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming. A magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, margarita BOP penstemon is an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Southern Foothill Penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus var. australis) is a native perennial herb that grows in southern and central California. It tends to grow at elevations from 200-5200 feet.

Foothill Penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus var. heterophyllus) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow at elevations from 200-5200 feet.

Purdy's Foothill Penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus var. purdyi) is a native perennial herb that grows in central and northern California. It tends to grow at elevations from 200-5200 feet.

Low Beardtongue (Penstemon humilis) is a native perennial herb that grows in Central and Northern California, primarily in the High Cascade Range and High Sierra Nevada regions. It tends to grow in open places, at elevations from 4900-9800 feet.

Low Beardtongue (Penstemon humilis var. humilis) is a native perennial herb that grows in central and northern California.

Penstemon incertus is a species of penstemon known by the common name Mojave beardtongue. It is endemic to California, where it can be found in many of the southeastern mountain ranges, including the southern reaches of the Sierra Nevada, the Tehachapis, and the mountains of the Mojave Desert region. It is a member of the flora in scrub and woodland, among Joshua Trees and in sandy washes. It is a rounded, branching, erect shrub reaching one meter in maximum height. The thick leaves are linear to lance-shaped with rolled, untoothed edges and reaching up to 7 centimeters. The hairy flower cluster produces several wide-mouthed tubular or funnel-shaped flowers measuring 2 to 3 centimeters long. The flowers are blue-purple, hairy on the outer surface and mostly hairless inside except for the hairy staminode.

Penstemon janishiae is a species of penstemon known by the common names Antelope Valley beardtongue and Janish's beardtongue. It is native to the northwestern United States in sections of Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and northestern California, where it is a member of the flora in sagebrush, woodland, and pine forests. It is a perennial herb with several hairy upright stems reaching up to about 25 centimeters tall. The leaves are up to 6 centimeters long, many located around the base of the plant and several pairs along each stem. The flower cluster produces several wide-mouthed tubular flowers 2 to 3 centimeters long. Each hairy, hairy flower is pale purple to pinkish or bluish in color with a dark-lined, pouchlike throat. The mouth of the flower is hairy and the protruding staminode is coated in bright orange or yellow hairs.

Penstemon labrosus is a species of penstemon known by the common name San Gabriel beardtongue. It is native to the Transverse Ranges of southern California, including the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Peninsular Ranges to the south, its distribution extending into Mexico. It grows in forest and woodland habitat. It is a perennial herb growing erect to about 70 centimeters tall. The long, paired leaves are linear in shape with rolled, untoothed edges, and reach over 8 centimeters in maximum length. The flower cluster produces bright red to orange or yellowish flowers 3 to 4 centimeters long. The upper lip is hood-shaped and the lower is divided into 3 narrow lobes which are sometimes reflexed. The flower is hairless, including the staminode.

Penstemon laetus is a species of penstemon in the Plantaginaceae (Plantain) family known by the common names Gay Penstemon and Mountain Blue Penstemon. It is native to the inland mountains of Oregon and California, where its distribution extends from the Klamath Mountains through the Sierra Nevada to the Transverse Ranges. It is found at elevations from 750 ft. to over 8,000 ft. where grows in forest, scrub, and other mountain habitats. It is a perennial herb growing erect to about 75 centimeters tall, its base becoming woody. The leaves are linear to lance-shaped and up to 10 centimeters long. The hairy flower cluster bears blue or purple flowers up to 3.5 centimeters long. The wide-mouthed tubular or funnel-shaped flower is hairy on the outer surface and mostly hairless on the inside. There are two recognized varieties in California, all commonly known as Mountain Blue Penstemon.

Mountain Blue Penstemon (Penstemon laetus var. laetus) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow at elevations from 1300-8200 feet.

Mountain Blue Penstemon (Penstemon laetus var. leptosepalus) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern California. It tends to grow at elevations from 1300-5200 feet.