Beaked Penstemon
Penstemon rostriflorus
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
1–3ft tall
Jun-Aug
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Desert and semi-arid regions of southern Sierra Nevada and Mojave Desert in Inyo and Mono Counties, 3000-5000 ft elevation, on dry rocky slopes.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Beaked Penstemon in full sun in a well-draining location - this Bay Area native thrives in dry conditions and won't tolerate soggy soil. Space plants about 2-3 feet apart to accommodate their mature height of 1-3 feet. Fall or early spring planting gives the plant time to establish before summer heat, though you can plant container specimens anytime if you water them through their first summer.
After Planting
Water weekly during your plant's first summer to help it establish, then transition to very low water once it's rooted in - by year two, this penstemon should need supplemental water only during severe drought. Expect tubular red-orange flowers from June through August, and let the plant die back naturally in winter; it's a perennial that regrows from its woody base each spring. The most common mistake is overwatering - this plant evolved for sagebrush scrub and actually prefers lean conditions, so err on the side of dry.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Primary native pollinator throughout bloom period
Larval host plant for this native butterfly species
Specialist bee visitor during flowering
Large native bee during flowering season
Early spring forager, critical for colony establishment
Mid-season bloomer resource
Native bee pollinator visitor
Small native bee forager
+2 more species
Birds
Spring breeder, important early season resource
Year-round resident, important spring energy source
Spring migrant, critical early season nectar source