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