Yellow Bush Penstemon

Keckiella antirrhinoides

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

low

Soil

Fast, Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as adequate drainage is provided.

Size

2–7ft tall, 2–4ft wide

Bloom

Mar-May

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Chaparral and oak woodlands of southern California mountains and foothills, 1500-5000 ft elevation

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Yellow Bush Penstemon in full sun with fast-draining to medium soil - drainage is non-negotiable for this chaparral native. It tolerates a variety of soil types as long as water doesn't linger, so amend heavy clay with compost or coarse sand before planting. Spring is your best window for planting in the Bay Area. Space plants 3–4 feet apart, as they'll grow 2–7 feet tall and spread with age.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer to establish roots, then taper to once or twice monthly once established - this plant thrives on drought and actually prefers neglect. Expect significant leaf drop after flowering (spring through May) and again during dry periods; this is normal deciduous behavior, not a sign of stress. Prune lightly after flowering if you want to shape it, but resist the urge to fuss - the #1 mistake is overwatering, which kills this plant faster than heat or cold ever will. It'll handle Bay Area winters down to 0°F with no problem.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Crotch's bumblebeeBombus crotchii

Listed under California ESA; range has contracted significantly

CA: Endangered

Henning's Checkerspot butterflyEuphydryas chalcedona hennei

California endemic subspecies; restricted range in Kern County

CA: Endangered

Chalcedon CheckerspotEuphydryas chalcedona

California Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Chalcedon CheckerspotEuphydryas chalcedona chalcedona