If you’re looking for colorful spring flowers and a low-water usage desert plant than Penstemon is your go-to plant in Phoenix. As a bonus, hummingbirds love Penstemon so it is a must have plant if you want to attract hummingbirds.
Growing Penstemon in Arizona
Penstemon eatonii is native to the western states of the United States. The plant has spikes of clustered, tubular, scarlet red blossoms with yellow hairs on their lower lip which is what inspires the common “beard” name to the flower.
The flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds such as Verdins and Orioles.. Penstemon multiply and will quickly need to be divided.
Where to See the Most Penstemons?
The Arboretum at Flagstaff has one of the largest collections of Penstemon species in North America. They host a Penstemon Festival each summer for members.
When do Penstemon’s bloom in Arizona?
Penstemon blooms from February through April in Phoenix. At maturity the plant can reach 24-36” inches height and 15” wide.
- Family: Scrophulariaceae
- Botanical Name: Penstemon eatonii | Penstemon parryi
- Water Usage: Low