Plantaginaceae
Penstemon glaber var. alpinus
Penstemon glaber var. alpinus var. alpinus
Also known as Penstemon oreophilus, Chelone alpina, Penstemon alpinus, Penstemon magnus
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Penstemon · Alpine Perennial · Rocky Mountain Native · Hummingbird Plant · Blue Flowers · Pollinator · Native Wildflower · Drought Tolerant · Perennial Border · Beardtongue
Alpine penstemon is a striking native perennial producing tall spikes of vivid blue to violet tubular flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds and bees throughout summer. It thrives in well-drained soils in partially shaded to sunny mountain garden settings and is notably cold-hardy across the Rocky Mountain region. This low-maintenance plant requires little fertilization and benefits from deadheading to extend the bloom season.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 5 hours
- Watering
- Water moderately, allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce frequency in winter · Every 10-14 days
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- sandy loam
- Soil pH
- 6–8
- Temperature
- -25°F to 90°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 4b-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 18 in – 3 ft
- Spread
- 18 in
- Spacing
- 24 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Purple
- Foliage
- Green · Coarse
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Wyoming
- Attracts
- Bees, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Sources: trefle, usda
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