Plantaginaceae
Penstemon compactus
Penstemon compactus
Zones 3–9Sun Partial SunWater ModerateCare Moderate
Flowering Plants · Penstemon · Beardtongue · Compact · Perennial · Pollinator · Hummingbird · Native Wildflower · Part Shade · Tubular Flowers
Pet-safeAttracts pollinators
Currently out of stock everywhereStock updated 9/6/2026
Penstemon compactus is a compact, slow-growing perennial beardtongue that does best in partial shade with regular but moderate watering. Its tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees, making it a rewarding addition to a wildlife garden. Little pruning or intervention is needed beyond deadheading spent blooms.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Water moderately, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; allow surface to dry slightly between waterings · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.8–7.4
- Temperature
- -40°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 3a-9b
12345678910111213
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 4 ft
- Spread
- 3 ft
- Spacing
- 12 in apart
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Yes
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Attracts
- Bees, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Sources: trefle, usda
More Penstemon
Related plants from the same genus
Buy this plant
No nurseries currently list it
No nursery lists Penstemon compactus right now.