PENSTEMONS: BLOG

Penstemon Barrettiae (Barrett's penstemon) planted in 2021, which are probably the most successful penstemons (over the long term) we have.

Penstemon Fruticosus (Shrubby penstemon) planted in 2021, recovering from cold-weather damage during Winter 2023-2024. These are probably the second most successful of the penstemons we have.

Ipomopsis aggregata (Scarlet gilia), very successful in its first year - unfortunately, it was not winter-hardy and did not survive the winter of 2022/2023. I love this plant, but will not be planting it in the future due to the winter fragility here.

Penstemon strictus, in their second year. There were six plants in the initial planting and ALL did well. (These seeded profusely and the seeds were planted/scattered in a variety of locations).

Penstemon newberryi (Newberry's penstemon). This did unusually well in its first year and should be watched closely next year.

This was identified to me as Penstemon richardsonii (Richardson's penstemon), but I'm not convinced this is what it is. I purchased additional Richardsonii in the fall of 2022, and they looked nothing like this. Richardsonii is also a dry country plant, and the leaf shape on this one suggests a wetter ecosystem.

Penstemon eatonii (Firecracker penstemon) were not successful, both died over the winter of 2021/2022. Penstemon pinifolius (Pineleaf penstemon), were not successful, one died one bloomed and died. Penstemon wilcoxii was also not successful, most died during the winter of 2021/2022, one made it to spring, but is not doing well. HOWEVER, Penstemon barrettiae (Barrett's penstemon, in the image) is actually doing very well - this acts like a true dry country plant - growing slowly and not blooming the first year. Penstemon fruticosa (Shrubby penstemon) is behaving similarly to Barrettiae, growing more slowly and not blooming the first year.