Penstemon pachyphyllus

thickleaf beardtongue

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Taxonomy

Common Names

thickleaf beardtongueKearney's penstemon

Context

nativeRegion

Western United States; Great Basin, especially Nevada, Utah, and surrounding areas.

usdaZones

4-8

companionPlants

Eriogonum spp. (Buckwheat), Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush), Castilleja spp. (Paintbrush)

culturalUses

Valued in native plant gardens and xeriscapes for drought tolerance and pollinator support; attracts hummingbirds and native bees.

Care

LightFull sun preferred; tolerates light shade but flowers best in bright locations.

WateringLow water needs once established; drought-tolerant. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

SoilWell-drained, sandy or rocky soil; dislikes heavy, waterlogged soils.

FertilizerRarely needed; if desired, use a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring.

HumidityPrefers low humidity, matching its native arid environment.

TemperatureTolerates high summer heat and some frost; hardy to around -20°F (-29°C).

HabitHerbaceous perennial with bushy, upright stems and clusters of tubular flowers.

Mature SizeTypically 1 to 2 feet tall (30-60 cm) and wide.

Growth RateModerate growth rate; reaches mature size in 2-3 years.

BloomingBlooms late spring to early summer, with vibrant blue to violet tubular flowers.

DormancyWinter dormant in colder climates; dies back aboveground.

MethodsSeed, Stem cuttings, Division

DifficultyModerate; seed germination benefits from cold stratification.

Best SeasonPropagation is best done in late fall (for seeding) or spring (for division/cuttings).

PruningDeadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom and maintain shape. Cut back in fall or early spring.

RepottingRarely needed outdoors; in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh soil.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally pest-free; may be susceptible to root rot in poorly-drained soils.

ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets.

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