Penstemons for the Desert

http://www.mswn.com/Penstemons are perennial plants that have tubular flowers that magnetically attract hummingbirds to the garden.  Most need full sun and excellent drainage.

Penstemons Suitable for Most Areas:
Penstemon ambiguus - Sand Penstemon
Penstemon amphorellae - Mexican Blue Penstemon
Penstemon baccharifolius - Rock Penstemon
Penstemon eatoni - Firecracker Penstemon
Penstemon palmeri - Scented Penstemon
Penstemon parryi - Parry's Penstemon
Penstemon pseudospectabilis - Canyon penstemon
Penstemon strictus - Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Penstemon superbus - Coral penstemon
Penstemon triflorus - Hill Country penstemon
Penstemon wrightii - Texas Rose Penstemon

Shrubby Penstemon Species:
Penstemon ambiguus - Sand Penstemon
Penstemon baccharifolius - Rock Penstemon

Don't Plant These Species in the Low Desert (including Phoenix):
Penstemon amphorellae - Needs cooler nights.  MSN reports that it grows well in Tucson.
Penstemon palmeri - native to 4,000-6,000 feet. Best in cooler areas.
Penstemon strictus - Rocky Mountain Penstemon.  Better with cooler night temperatures.  Survives cold winters with good drainage.

These species are available from Mountain States Wholesale Nursery. 

Sonoran Desert Spring Perennials

Spring brings fresh blooms to desert gardens.  There are many native plants that can provide beautiful and environmentally friendly color.  Below is a list of adapted perennial plants that are thrifty water users.

Encelia farinosa - Brittle brush
Hymenoxys acaulis - Angelita Daisy
Penstemon spp. - Beard tongue

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