Penstemon alamosensis

Alamos penstemon

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Alamos penstemonAlamos beardtongue

Context

nativeRegion

Southwestern United States, mainly Arizona and New Mexico.

usdaZones

7–9

companionPlants

Agave, Yucca, Eriogonum, Salvia greggii

culturalUses

Used in native and xeriscape gardens for ornamental and pollinator-friendly plantings.

Care

LightFull sun to partial shade; prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

WateringLow to moderate; drought-tolerant once established. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

SoilWell-draining, sandy or rocky soils. Does not tolerate soggy conditions.

FertilizerGenerally not necessary; a light application of low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring can support blooming.

HumidityPrefers low to moderate humidity; thrives in arid environments.

TemperatureTolerant of high temperatures; hardy in mild winters but less frost tolerant.

HabitEvergreen perennial subshrub with erect, slender stems.

Mature SizeTypically 1 to 2 feet tall and wide.

Growth RateModerate growth; establishes within 1-2 growing seasons.

BloomingProduces tubular yellow flowers mainly in spring to early summer.

DormancyMinimal dormancy; evergreen in most conditions.

MethodsSeed, Softwood cuttings

DifficultyModerate; seeds benefit from light surface sowing and may require stratification.

Best SeasonSpring or early autumn for seeds; late spring for cuttings.

PruningPrune lightly to remove spent flower spikes and maintain shape after blooming.

RepottingRarely needed; best grown in-ground, but can be repotted every few years if container-grown.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally pest-free; overly wet conditions can promote root rot.

ToxicityNot known to be toxic to humans or pets.

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