Penstamon parryi

Parry’s Penstamon, Parry’s Beardtongue

OVERVIEW:

Penstamon parryi is a showy, herbaceous perennial that is native to the Sonoran Desert (southern Arizona and northern Mexico, respectively). Showcasing it’s vibrant blooms after it’s second year of re-seeding, this native wildflower is a favorite of migratory hummingbirds and cutter bees, it’s role in our desert ecology paramount to the survival of many creatures. Once this variety spreads its seed, it can nearly double in size for the following season, making it both an impressive survivor and satisfying garden specimen.

CLASSIFICATION:

Botanical Name: Penstamon parryi

Common Name: Parry’s penstamon, Penstamon beardtongue

Family: Plantaginaceae

Suggested Uses: great for beds and borders, moon gardens

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 6”-1’

Width: 1-2’

Flower: showy tubular pink blooms

Bloom: March - April

ENVIRONMENT:

USDA Zone: 9-11

Sun: Partial to full sun

Soil: sandy, loamy alkaline soils

Water: Low usage