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Native Plant Database

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Penstemon spectabilis (Showy penstemon)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Penstemon spectabilis Thurb. ex Gray

Showy penstemon, Showy beardtongue, Royal penstemon

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

USDA Symbol: pesp3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This is an extremely showy perennial. Its leafy stems rise to 3 ft. and bear a spectacular display of up to 100 flowers on the upper half of the stem. The inflated, tubular flowers range in color from lavender-purple to pink. The two rounded lobes of the upper lip and the three lobes of the lower lip are usually blue, while the inside of the flower is white. Pairs of bright-green, toothed leaves clasp the stem.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: Cismontane slopes in s. CA
Native Habitat: Dry washes & disturbed areas below 6000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Overwatered plants are susceptible to root rot. This species often self-seeds.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Propagation by stem cuttings and root division is possible but seed is the easiest method. Plant in spring. Division should be in the fall; softwood cutting should be taken in summer.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Germination is best with cold-moist stratification but no treatment may give satisfactory results.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Penstemon spectabilis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Penstemon spectabilis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Penstemon spectabilis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-21
Research By: TWC Staff

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