Penstemon heterophyllus
Blue Springs Foothill Penstemon

Truly luminous and almost turquoise in bloom, Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Blue Springs’ is one of those California natives that makes gardeners stop mid-sentence. Dense spikes of narrow tubular flowers open brilliant blue, then pick up lavender and rosy undertones as they age above handsome blue-green evergreen foliage.

This compact Foothill Penstemon generally reaches about 12–18 inches tall and wide, a beautifully behaved scale for dry borders, sunny slopes, rock gardens, pathway edges, and containers. It may be modest in stature, but it is absolutely not shy in flower. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies investigate the nectar-rich display, while the cool foliage remains useful after bloom.

Give ‘Blue Springs’ full sun to light part sun, sharply drained soil, and lean-to-moderately fertile conditions. Once established, it thrives with low summer water; overly rich soil, heavy irrigation, or poor drainage can shorten its life. Removing spent spikes encourages a tidier shape and may extend flowering. Deer generally pass it by. Drought-tolerant, long-lived when properly sited, and dazzlingly blue, this is a superb native choice for water-wise gardens. Explore more hummingbird favorites in our Explore more California native perennials.

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If a plant arrives in substandard condition, please take clear photographs and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. To ensure eligibility under this guarantee, we strongly encourage you to open and unpack your shipment immediately upon delivery and inspect the plants thoroughly.

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