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Penstemon nitidus

Penstemon nitidus Photo/Illustration: Ellen Wilde



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Penstemon nitidus Genus: Penstemon
This penstemon produces azure flowers—the color of a New Mexico summer sky. Blooms emerge in late April and may get covered with a late snow, but that doesn’t seem to bother them. Also boasting beautiful gray-blue foliage, this plant grows 6 to 10 inches high.
 Noteworthy characteristics: A native of the northwestern U.S., this is the earliest penstemon to bloom.
 Care: Grow in fertile, well-drained soil.
 Propagation: Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer. Divide in spring.
 Problems: Powdery mildew, rust, leaf spots, and Southern blight. Slugs and snails may damage young plants.
Height 6 in. to 12 in.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Light Full Sun Only
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color Blue Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Style Rock Garden, Xeric Bed
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest
Type Perennials

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