Description
Form: Herb.
Lifespan: 4-5 years.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Rapid.
Mature Size: The flower stems reach 3-6' (0.9-1.8m) high depending on growing conditions.
Flowers: Purple to reddish-pink to white, broadly tubular with large mouths, with a bearded bottom stamen, in a long, narrow cluster on a flowering stem, fragrant.
Bloom: Spring.
Fruit: Seed capsule.
Leaves: Blue-green, triangular, and depending on variety, opposite leaves sometimes jointly boat-shaped and surrounding the stem, serrated margins.
Stems: Stiff, upright to leaning.
Roots: Taproot.
Wildlife: The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. This plant is a larval host to several species of butterfly. The foliage is browsed by rabbits and other mammals.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Western North America.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9.
Heat tolerant: Yes, once established.
Drought tolerant: Yes, once established.
Sun: Full sun to light shade.
Soil: Well draining, dry, low organic content, pH 6.6-8.5 (neutral to alkaline). This plant is only moderately salt-tolerant. Do not use fertilizer. Decomposed granite or crushed volcanic cinders can be used to supply mineral nutrients.
Water once established: Once or twice a month. Do not overwater.
Mulch: In full sun, mulch the root area using small gravel.
First Year Care: Water every few days, just enough so the soil can dry between waterings. Do not overwater.
Prune: Remove dead leaves and flower stalks after the seed capsules have dried.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed planted in fall; half-woody cuttings taken in summer.
Uses: Ornamental, hummingbird garden, low water (xeriscape) garden.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Penstemon and Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It is one of the few fragrant penstemons and is fairly easy to grow when conditions are right.

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