Penstemon strictus, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Penstemon or Rocky Mountain Beardtongue, is a hardy perennial wildflower native to the southern Rocky Mountains and surrounding western United States. It produces upright spikes of rich blue to violet-purple, tubular flowers above a low mound of narrow green leaves. Mature plants typically reach approximately 1–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, blooming in late spring to summer, depending on elevation. Its colorful flowers attract native bees and other pollinators, adding striking vertical accents to native gardens, sunny borders, and meadow plantings.
Rocky Mountain Penstemon thrives in full sun to light shade and well-draining sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. Water regularly while plants establish, then reduce irrigation, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Established plants tolerate drought and cold winters. Generally suited to USDA Zones 4–8, it can overwinter in climates with average annual extreme minimum temperatures around −30°F at the coldest end of that range. In the Southwest, it is especially well suited to high-desert, foothill, and mountain gardens. Provide afternoon protection in hotter locations and avoid soggy soil, particularly during winter.
Sow seeds outdoors in late fall for natural winter chilling, or provide cold, moist stratification before spring sowing, following your seed packet’s instructions. Cover lightly with approximately ⅛ inch of soil and keep the seedbed gently moist during germination. Germination may be uneven, and flowering often begins in the second growing season.
THIS LISTING IS FOR A PACK OF APPROX. 3000 SEEDS (1/10 OZ.)
Penstemon strictus, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Penstemon or Rocky Mountain Beardtongue, is a hardy perennial wildflower native to the southern Rocky Mountains and surrounding western United States. It produces upright spikes of rich blue to violet-purple, tubular flowers above a low mound of narrow green leaves. Mature plants typically reach approximately 1–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, blooming in late spring to summer, depending on elevation. Its colorful flowers attract native bees and other pollinators, adding striking vertical accents to native gardens, sunny borders, and meadow plantings.
Rocky Mountain Penstemon thrives in full sun to light shade and well-draining sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. Water regularly while plants establish, then reduce irrigation, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Established plants tolerate drought and cold winters. Generally suited to USDA Zones 4–8, it can overwinter in climates with average annual extreme minimum temperatures around −30°F at the coldest end of that range. In the Southwest, it is especially well suited to high-desert, foothill, and mountain gardens. Provide afternoon protection in hotter locations and avoid soggy soil, particularly during winter.
Sow seeds outdoors in late fall for natural winter chilling, or provide cold, moist stratification before spring sowing, following your seed packet’s instructions. Cover lightly with approximately ⅛ inch of soil and keep the seedbed gently moist during germination. Germination may be uneven, and flowering often begins in the second growing season.
THIS LISTING IS FOR A PACK OF APPROX. 3000 SEEDS (1/10 OZ.)
