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California Native Plant

Penstemon spectabilis

Royal Beard Tongue

Plant photo of: Penstemon spectabilis
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme Editor        Photographer: Susan Frommer

 

Description

This shrubby perennial produces spectacular, blue purple to pink to white to red colored, tubular flowers on spikes, which is quite attractive to hummingbirds. Royal Beard Tongue can reach a mature size of about 3'-4' tall and wide. It is native to Southern California. It is best planted in the fall and blooms from spring through summer. It prefers well draining soil, full sun and low watering. It looks great in borders. Do not overwater!

 

Plant Type

Perennial

Height Range

3-6'

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Grey Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Filler, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

Check your irrigation controller once a month, and adjust as necessary.

Most plants require only one-third as much water in winter as they do in summer.