Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is a favorite among the many beautiful penstemon varieties native to Utah! Featuring an abundance of royal-blue or purple blossoms that rise in tall spires above the dark green foliage, this is a penstemon variety that maintains an attractive appearance all season long! In addition, Rocky Mountain Penstemon is one of the longest-living and easiest to establish varieties, and tolerates heavy soils and moisture more easily than other native species. An excellent addition to garden beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, containers, or natural meadow plantings. Will need a low level of supplemental irrigation throughout the season after establishment.
Expected 2025 Availability- Late April
Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Irrigation Requirement: Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Mature Size: 2 - 3' tall and wide
Spacing: 36" apart
Bloom Colors: Blue/Purple
Bloom Season: May - June
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Deer Resistant: No
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Soils: Requires well-drained sand or loam soils. Will tolerate some clay if well-drained.
Plants in the Penstemon genus are a host species for 19 known native pollinators in the nothern Utah. Penstemons are also a nectar source for many local pollinators.