Penstemon confertus (Yellow Penstemon)
Noted for its unusual color, Penstemon confertus (Yellow Penstemon) is a perennial or subshrub with upright stems boasting showy wands of very pale, soft yellow, tiny flowers in mid-summer. Blooming profusely for several weeks, the blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers are carried above a foliage mat of bright green, lance-shaped leaves. 1-4 in. long (2-10 cm).
Noted for its unusual color, Penstemon confertus (Yellow Penstemon) is a perennial or subshrub with upright stems boasting showy wands of very pale, soft yellow, tiny flowers in mid-summer. Blooming profusely for several weeks, the blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers are carried above a foliage mat of bright green, lance-shaped leaves. 1-4 in. long (2-10 cm). Yellow Penstemon is commonly found in the moist prairies and meadows, forest openings, at mid-elevations in the mountains of western North America. Easy to grow, it is evergreen in mild winters and an excellent pollinator plant.
- Grows up to 10-20 in. tall (25-50 cm) and 20 in. wide (50 cm). Will self-seed freely if not deadheaded.
- Performs best in full sun in dry to moist, well-drained soils. It does not grow well in areas with poor drainage. Very cold-hardy, but some protection from winter wet is beneficial.
- Provides a bold impact in cottage gardens, rock gardens, or in prairie plantings. Great for naturalistic planting schemes.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate by seed, cuttings, or division.
- Native to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Penstemon – Beardtongues |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid) |
Height | 10" – 2' (25cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 20″ (50cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |