30 Popular Types Of Penstemon Pictorial Guide

30 Most Popular Types Of Penstemon Pictorial Guide

Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. These herbaceous perennials are native to North America, with some species found in Central and South America. There are around 250 species of Penstemon, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

The name Penstemon is derived from the Greek words “penta,” which means five, and “stemon,” which means stamen. This is because the flowers of Penstemon have five stamens, four of which are fertile and one sterile. The sterile stamen has a hair-like structure that extends beyond the flower’s throat, giving it the appearance of a beard or tongue.

The flowers of Penstemon are tubular in shape and come in a range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, blue, and white. They need full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. The foliage of Penstemon is also attractive, with lance-shaped leaves that are often toothed or lobed.

Penstemon plants are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners. Full light is preferred over partial shade, as is well-drained soil. Penstemon plants can be propagated by seed, division, or stem cuttings. Penstemon is also popular with pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds. The tubular shape of the flowers makes them attractive to these creatures, who are able to extract nectar from the bottom of the tube. As a result, penstemon is often planted in pollinator gardens to attract these beneficial insects.

In addition to their ornamental value, Penstemon plants have a long history of medicinal use by Native American tribes. The roots and leaves were used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and headaches. The plants contain compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain their traditional use in medicine.

In conclusion, Penstemon is a beautiful and versatile genus of plants that has something to offer both gardeners and pollinators. With their attractive flowers and foliage, easy care requirements, and medicinal properties, Penstemon plants are an excellent addition to any garden.

Here are the 30 Popular Types Of Penstemon Pictorial Guide:

Penstemon Murrayanus

Penstemon Murrayanus is a species of flowering plant native to the western United States. It is a perennial herb with showy purple-blue flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer. This species is commonly found in rocky or gravelly soils in arid or semi-arid environments, and it is known for its hardiness and drought tolerance.

Penstemon Utahensis

Penstemon Utahensis, also known as the Utah penstemon, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the western United States, specifically found in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Wyoming. It produces beautiful lavender-pink flowers in late spring to early summer and is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping gardens.

Penstemon Ambiguus

Penstemon Ambiguus, commonly known as the Ambiguous Beardtongue, is a species of perennial herbaceous plant native to the western United States. It produces tall spikes of tubular, lavender-pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant prefers dry, rocky soils in full sun and is often found in mountainous regions. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and attracts pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Penstemon Spectabilis

Penstemon Spectabilis is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to western North America. It is commonly known as “showy penstemon” due to its striking deep pink to purple flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant typically grows to be 1-2 feet tall and prefers to grow in dry, rocky soils in full sun. It is a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers due to its showy blooms and low maintenance requirements.

Penstemon Heterophyllus

Penstemon Heterophyllus is a flowering plant species native to California, USA. Commonly known as the blue or variegated penstemon, it grows up to 1 meter tall and produces clusters of blue to purple tubular flowers in the spring and summer. The plant has several different leaf shapes, ranging from narrow to oval, giving it its species name “heterophyllus,” which means “different-leaved.” It is a popular plant for gardens and landscaping due to its striking blooms and drought tolerance.

Penstemon Cyananthus

Penstemon Cyananthus is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to the western United States. It is commonly known as Wasatch beardtongue or Uinta Basin beardtongue. The plant produces showy blue-violet flowers on tall stalks in the late spring and early summer, and it is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also an important food source for pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Penstemon Eriantherus

Penstemon Eriantherus is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It is commonly known as Woolly Beardtongue due to the dense woolly hairs on the stamens and filaments of its flowers. This plant is native to the western United States and can be found in rocky or sandy habitats such as hillsides, meadows, and forests. It typically grows up to 2–3 feet tall and produces showy pink, purple, or blue tubular flowers from late spring to early summer.

Penstemon Angustifolius

Narrow-Leaved Penstemon, also known as Penstemon Angustifolius, is a perennial herbaceous plant species that is indigenous to western North America. It has narrow, purple-tinged leaves and tall, slender spikes of tubular, blue-violet flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Its hardiness and ability to thrive in a range of soil types and growth environments make it a well-liked option for rock gardens and other landscaping projects.

Penstemon Davidsonii

Penstemon Davidsonii, also known as Davidson’s beardtongue, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California. The plant typically grows in rocky or sandy soils in open areas such as meadows, slopes, and cliffs. It produces striking pink to lavender flowers in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens for its attractive flowers and foliage.

Penstemon Clutei

Penstemon Clutei is a species of perennial plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is commonly known as Clute’s beardtongue and is native to the western United States, specifically Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The plant typically grows up to 2 feet tall and produces purple or violet flowers that bloom from May to July. It is commonly found in rocky, sandy, or gravelly soils in desert, shrubland, or woodland habitats.

Penstemon Fruticosus

Penstemon Fruticosus is a species of flowering perennial plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to the western United States. It is commonly known as shrubby penstemon due to its woody stems and small shrub-like growth habit. The plant produces clusters of tubular, lavender-pink flowers that bloom in early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. It is a drought-tolerant species that prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

Penstemon Rostriflorus

Penstemon Rostriflorus is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to North America. Commonly known as beaked penstemon or beaked beardtongue, it produces bright pink to lavender flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant grows up to 60 cm tall and prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and attracts hummingbirds and bees.

Penstemon Virgatus

Penstemon Virgatus is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is an herbaceous perennial native to North America, primarily found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant produces clusters of tubular, lavender-pink flowers on tall stems and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and attracts pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Penstemon Albidus

Penstemon Albidus is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to western North America. It typically grows in dry, rocky areas and produces small white or pale pink flowers with purple veins. The plant is valued by gardeners for its attractive flowers and foliage, and it is also used in traditional medicine by some indigenous groups.

Penstemon Rupicola

Penstemon Rupicola is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to the western United States. It is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 30 cm tall and produces showy purple to lavender flowers in early summer. This species is adapted to rocky and gravelly soils at high elevations and is commonly found in alpine and subalpine meadows, along rocky slopes, and in talus fields.

Penstemon Linarioides

Penstemon Linarioides is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to the western United States. It is a small, herbaceous perennial with linear leaves and slender stems that bear spikes of small, lavender-pink flowers in the summer. It is commonly known as the striped penstemon or narrowleaf penstemon.

Penstemon Laevigatus

Penstemon Laevigatus, commonly known as the Smooth Penstemon, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to western North America, from British Columbia to California and east to Montana and New Mexico. The smooth penstemon is a perennial herb with smooth, glossy leaves and showy purple or blue-purple flowers that bloom in the summer. It is often found in dry, rocky areas such as cliffs and talus slopes and is an important food source for hummingbirds and bees.

Penstemon Virens

Penstemon Virens, commonly known as Front Range Penstemon, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the western United States. It has elongated, narrow leaves and produces tall spikes of tubular, bright blue-violet flowers in the summer. This species is a popular choice for ornamental gardens and is also used in traditional Native American medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Penstemon Serrulatus

Penstemon Serrulatus is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to western North America. It is an herbaceous perennial that grows up to 60 cm tall and has bright purple or blue flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade and is often found in dry, rocky habitats such as hillsides and meadows. It is commonly used in landscaping and is also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Penstemon Whippleanus

Penstemon Whippleanus is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, commonly known as the Whipple’s Beardtongue. It is native to western North America, particularly the Great Basin region. This herbaceous perennial plant produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue or lavender and is adapted to thrive in dry, rocky habitats. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive blooms and low maintenance requirements.

Penstemon Cobaea

Penstemon Cobaea is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It is commonly known as Cobaea Beardtongue and is native to North America, particularly the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant typically grows up to 2-4 feet in height and produces showy purple or pink flowers with white throats. It is known for its drought tolerance and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Penstemon Rydbergii

Penstemon rydbergii is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to western North America. It is an herbaceous perennial with showy purple or pink flowers and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It prefers well-drained soils in dry, rocky habitats, such as cliffs, talus slopes, and open forests. It is commonly known as Rydberg’s Penstemon or Rock Penstemon.

Penstemon Procerus

Penstemon Procerus is a species of flowering plant native to the western United States, known for its tall, slender stems and delicate, purple-blue flowers. It typically grows in dry, rocky soils and can be found in alpine and subalpine meadows, as well as open woodlands.

Penstemon Glaber

Penstemon Glaber is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, commonly known as Smooth Penstemon or Chaparral Beardtongue. It is native to western North America and is typically found in dry, rocky habitats such as chaparral and sagebrush. The plant produces showy pink, purple, or blue flowers in late spring and early summer, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers.

Penstemon Hirsutus

Penstemon Hirsutus, also known as the hairy Beardtongue, is an herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It typically grows up to 2 feet tall and produces clusters of tubular flowers that are pink or lavender in color. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can be found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It is a popular choice for wildflower gardens and attracts pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Penstemon Acuminatus

Penstemon Acuminatus is a type of blossoming plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to western North America, and typically grows in rocky or sandy habitats. The plant produces tall stems with clusters of tubular, pink or lavender flowers that attract pollinators such as hummingbirds. It is commonly known as the sharp-sepaled penstemon or taper-leaved penstemon.

Penstemon Barbatus

Penstemon Barbatus, also known as Beardtongue, is a flowering plant species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a perennial herb with showy red or pink tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and prefers well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It is commonly used in landscaping and has medicinal properties.

Penstemon Digitalis

Penstemon Digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove Beardtongue or Talus Slope Penstemon, is a species of flowering plant native to North America. It belongs to the family Plantaginaceae and is characterized by its tall, erect stems with spikes of white, tubular flowers. It frequently grows in rocky or gravelly soils in open forests, meadows, and prairies. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive flowers and ease of cultivation.

Penstemon Eatonii

Penstemon Eatonii is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to western North America. Commonly known as firecracker penstemon, it produces bright red tubular flowers with yellow throats, blooming in late spring to early summer. It is a well-liked garden ornamental plant that draws hummingbirds and butterflies.

Penstemon Grandiflorus

Penstemon Grandiflorus, commonly known as Large-Flowered Beardtongue, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It is characterized by its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and prefers well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. It is often used in gardens and landscaping for its attractive flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

How To Grow And Care For Penstemon

Penstemon is a popular plant that is easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips for growing and caring for Penstemon:

Planting: Penstemons prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Both spring and fall are suitable times to sow them. The plants should be placed 12 to 18 inches apart.

Watering: Penstemons are drought-tolerant plants but still need to be watered regularly. Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during hot and dry weather.

Fertilizing: Penstemons do not need a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year in the spring and fall.

Pruning: Penstemons do not require a lot of pruning, but you can remove dead or damaged stems and flowers to keep the plant tidy. Cut back the stems to about 6 inches in the fall after the flowers have faded.

Mulching: Mulch should be applied all around the foundation of the plant to help it retain moisture and control weeds.

Winter care: Penstemons are hardy plants but may require winter protection in colder climates. Cover the plants with a layer of mulch or leaves in the fall to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Propagation: Penstemons can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the spring or fall. Plant the cuttings in potting soil after dipping them in rooting hormone. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location until the cuttings have rooted.

With proper care, penstemons can grow into beautiful and long-lasting plants that will add color to your garden.

How To Propagate Penstemon

Penstemon can be propagated through stem cuttings or seed. The stages for each approach are as follows:

Propagation By Stem Cuttings:

Choose a healthy Penstemon plant and take a 4-6 inch cutting from the tip of a stem.
Take out the leaves from the cutting’s lowest two inches.
Place the cut end of the stem into the powdered rooting hormone.Insert the cutting into a pot filled with moistened potting soil or a mixture of peat and perlite.
To produce a humid climate, wrap the pot with plastic wrap or a plastic bag.
Put the pot somewhere bright, but out of direct sunshine.
Keep the soil moist and check for rooting in about 4-6 weeks.

Propagation By Seed:

Collect ripe Penstemon seed pods from the plant.
Allow the pods to dry and split open to release the seeds.
Sow the seeds in trays or pots filled with moistened seed-starting mix.
Cover the container with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to keep the soil moist.
Put the vessel somewhere bright, but out of direct sunlight.
Keep the soil moist and the temperature around 70 °F.
The seeds should germinate within 2–3 weeks.

Both methods of propagation can be successful with Penstemon.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Penstemon

Penstemon is a genus of flowering plants native to North America, with over 250 species identified.
The name “Penstemon” comes from the Greek words “penta,” meaning “five,” and “stemon,” meaning “stamen,” referring to the five stamens found in each flower.
Penstemons are also known as beardtongues due to the hairy staminodes (sterile stamens) that resemble a tongue.
The flowers of Penstemon come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, red, and white.
Penstemons are popular among gardeners and horticulturists for their showy flowers, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees.
Some species of Penstemon have medicinal properties and have been used traditionally by Native American tribes for treating various ailments.
Penstemon plants are hardy and can grow in a range of environments, from high-elevation mountains to arid deserts.
Many Penstemon species are short-lived perennials, blooming only for a few weeks to a few months each year.
Some species of Penstemon are pollinated by specialized bees that have evolved to fit perfectly into the flower’s tubular shape, such as the aptly named “beardtongue bees.”
The Penstemon barbatus species, also known as scarlet bugler or red penstemon, is the state flower of New Mexico.