Living up to its name, Showy Penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis) is a spectacularly showy perennial with leafy stems that can rise to over 3 feet. Also known as Showy Beardtongue, it bears wide-mouthed, tubular flowers ranging from lavender to purple-blue to pink. In ideal conditions, this plant may flower from late winter into summer. It grows fast, reaching 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.

Why Choose Showy Penstemon?

• Pollinator Magnet: This plant attracts a variety of native bees and hummingbirds for nectar.
• Host Plant for Butterflies and Moths: It is a likely larval host for at least 13 butterfly and moth species, including the Geranium Plume moth and Anicia Checkerspot butterfly.
  
• Drought Tolerant & Resilient: It is easy to grow, thrives in full sun, and tolerates a variety of soils, including clay. 
• Deer Resistant: This plant is naturally unappealing to deer.
• Pollinator-Safe: Grown non-GMO and free of harmful neonicotinoids, promoting a healthy ecosystem for pollinators and wildlife.

Available in sets of three, six, or 12 plants to suit any garden size.

Planting Tips:

1. Location: Prefers full sun with average, dry to medium, well-drained soils.
2. Watering: Watered plants are susceptible to root rot, so avoid overwatering. It tolerates a variety of soils and usually doesn't need supplemental summer water, but occasional watering (once a month) can produce more flowers.
3. Maintenance: Minimal care required. There's no need to deadhead the flowers, as allowing them to go to seed provides a valuable food source for birds. Leaving the stems standing in the fall offers overwintering sites for beneficial insects. If desired, cut back the stems in late spring after pollinators have emerged. This plant is easy to grow. It is fairly short-lived, lasting 5 to 10 years, but often self-seeds.

For more information on planting, view our How to Plant Your Native Plants guide and other planting tips in the Garden for Wildlife Learning Center.

Add the spectacular color of Showy Penstemon to your garden for a fast-growing, resilient perennial that supports hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies.

Shipping Range:

• CA

Zip Code Verification: Our plants are grown regionally to thrive where you live and help local wildlife. Confirm availability for your area using the zip code checker near the add to cart button above.

Returns: Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to offer order cancellations, returns or exchanges. In order to guarantee your satisfaction, all plants are covered by our Plant Guarantee.

*To ensure your plants arrive healthy, we may delay shipments to certain areas during times of extreme temperatures, natural disasters, or other conditions that will impact the plants during transit

Sizing: At the time of shipment, our plants have a developed root mass and emerging foliage around 4-8” high.

Recommended container sizes (in width) for container planting:

• 12 In
• 18 In
• 24 In
• 36 In
• 48 In