Manco's Penstemon (Penstemon strictiformis) is a striking native penstemon that lights up the late spring and early summer garden with tall spikes of vivid blue-purple flowers. It has many similar traits to Rocky Mountain Penstemon and the two are often confused. Manco's Penstemon has a more compact habit, smaller foliage, and features increased heat and drought tolerance when compared to Rocky Mountain. Manco's Penstemon thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soils, bringing bold color, vertical interest, and exceptional drought tolerance to water-wise landscapes. The abundant blooms are a magnet for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to dry garden beds and borders, pollinator gardens, Mediterranean style plantings, and naturalized plantings. Its upright habit pairs beautifully with native grasses, yarrow, blanketflower, and other drought-adapted perennials.
Manco's Penstemon
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish) to Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Mature Size: 1 - 3' tall and wide
Spacing: 18" apart
Bloom Colors: Blue/Purple
Bloom Season: May - June
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun, but can also handle light or dappled shade
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: No
Soils: Requires well-drained sand or loam soils. Does not appreciate heavy clay.
Plants in the Penstemon genus are a host species for 19 known native pollinators in the nothern Utah. Penstemon strictiformis is native to the four corners area, but might still act as a host plant in northern Utah. Penstemons are also a highly valuable nectar source for many local pollinators.