Penstemon Triflorus Hill Country Penstemon

PENSTEMON TRIFLORUS HILL COUNTRY PENSTEMON

OUTSTANDING FEATURES: The Hill Country Penstemon is possibly the best penstemon we grow! It has an especially long bloom period, starting in very early spring before the other species, and blooming sporadically until late spring. The glossy green leaves, bushy stature, spikes of large deep pink flowers, and prolonged bloom period combine to make Penstemon triflorus an outstanding addition to the spring perennial palette. It is also a magnet for hummingbirds!

DESCRIPTION: Penstemon triflorus is a bushy, upright perennial to 2 feet tall, with large glossy green leaves. The large, 1.5 inch long, deep pink flowers are funnel-shaped, with 5 lobes. These lobes are strongly marked with dark lines, which are believed to attract pollinators to the nectar at the base of the tube. The flowers occur in clusters of 3 along the flower spike. The flower spikes can add another foot to the overall height in the spring months.

CULTURE/MAINTENANCE: Penstemon triflorus is native to limestone soils on rocky slopes in Texas. Although it seems to tolerate various soil types, ranging from sand to clay, it does require good drainage. As with other Penstemon species, overwatering should be avoided. This perennial blooms well in full sun or some light shade. After blooming, allow the flowers stalks to dry on the plant. Then, cut them off and sprinkle seed around the landscape to increase the Penstemon triflorus population. This plant is quite cold hardy, to at least 10° F and possibly lower.

IDENTIFICATION: The glossy green leaves and distinctive flowers make this an easy plant to identify. The 5-lobed flowers each have 3 distinctive “guidelines” to lure in pollinators.

LANDSCAPE APPLICATION: Use Hill Country Penstemon under desert trees, in masses at entry features or other focal points, and anywhere else you want spectacular spring color. Try mixing it with other Penstemon species, Hymenoxys acaulis, Baileya multiradiata, Melampodium leucanthum, Erigeron divergens, Eupatorium greggii Boothill™, Psilostrophe tagetina, Verbena gooddingii, and any other colorful perennials. Plant it in areas where people can enjoy the hummingbirds that feed on the flowers.

PRECAUTIONS: Luckily, this plant has very few problems. If overwatering occurs, it can rot out, so adjust your irrigation accord- ing to soil type. As with other Penstemon species, the Hill Country Penstemon is rather short-lived. However, if seed is scattered from dried flower stalks, you should main- tain a healthy population as new seedlings become established.

A cluster of Penstemon triflorus Hill Country Penstemon in under a Sonoran Palo Verde. a Phoenix area landscape.

AT A GLANCE SUMMARY

SIZE (HEIGHT x WIDTH) 2 feet x 2 feet

FLOWER COLOR Deep pink

FLOWER SEASON Spring

EXPOSURE Full sun, part shade

WATER Low

GROWTH RATE Moderate-fast

HARDINESS 10° F USDA 8

PRUNING Cut off old flower spikes

HARDY IN THESE CITIES Phoenix, Tucson, Palm Desert, San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Close-up of the large flowers of Albuquerque, El Paso, Penstemon triflorus. San Antonio, Dallas, Houston

For more information, call: toll-free (800) 840-8509 or (623) 247-8509 Mountain States Wholesale Nursery, PO Box 2500, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340-2500