Penstemon spectabilis

 + Add

Royal Beard Tongue

  
California Native Plant
Plant photo of: Penstemon spectabilis
Previous Photo     Next Photo
Information by: Jerry Sortomme Editor        Photographer: Susan Frommer

 

Description

This shrubby perennial produces spectacular, blue purple, 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.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Blue, Lavender, Purple

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

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, Shrub Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Filler, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.