Penstemon palmeri
“Scented Penstemon”

form photo:Dominique Revelle

This is a sensational Penstemon native to the high desert of eastern California. Very tall, the branching flower spikes can reach 5’ tall! Blooming in Summer, the very showy, large pink flowers are fragrant and have beautiful nectar guides in their throats. The base foliage is grayish and itself grows to 2’ tall. Fairly easy to grow, it loves hot & dry and good drainage, though it’s said to tolerate clay quite well. Needs NO SUMMER WATER ONCE ESTABLISHED. A good habitat plant, it is loved by bumblebees.