Palmer's Penstemon Facts

Soil Needs

• Palmer's penstemon originates in the arid landscape of the western United States and so requires soil with a similarly sandy composition. Before planting Palmer's penstemon, you must first amend the bed with a 4-inch thick layer of coarse sand to provide adequate drainage since soggy soil will damage and eventually kill the plant.

Light Requirements

• Few penstemon species are as tolerant of harsh, direct sunlight as Palmer's penstemon. While light shade is acceptable at noon, the plant must be provided with direct sun for at least eight to 10 hours each day. Overhanging vegetation or structures must be taken into consideration before planting Palmer's penstemon since excessive shade will cause the plant to become leggy with discolored leaves and flowers.

Moisture Requirements

• The high drought tolerance of Palmer's penstemon endears it to many gardeners, particularly those living in the Desert Southwest. However, the plants must still be provided with supplemental water during the summer months to keep from wilting. Only 1 inch of water is required each week, but it must be applied in a single, deep watering instead of frequent light waterings.

Characteristics

• Palmer's penstemon grows to between 4 and 5 feet in height at maturity, so it is best to grow it near the back of a bed to keep it from overwhelming your garden. In summer, the plant sends up towering flower stalks, which produce large, tubular flowers of a pale pink coloration. In addition to their striking appearance, the flowers of Palmer's penstemon are very attractive to hummingbirds and pollinating insects such as butterflies.

Considerations

• Palmer's penstemon will not survive in climates that receive more than 18 inches of rain annually, so it is not an appropriate choice for gardens in the Pacific Northwest or in subtropical climates such as southern Florida.