Showy Penstemon Seeds|Penstemon spectabilis|California Native Plant|Native Wildflowers|Native Seeds|Southwestern Wildflowers|Gardening|Gift

Showy Penstemon is native to southern California and Baja California, where it grows primarily in the chaparral, scrub, and woodlands of the Peninsular and Transverse ranges, and to central California, where it grows in the northeastern part of the South Coast Range. It is a perennial herb growing erect to a maximum height often exceeding one meter. The thin leaves are lance-shaped to oval, serrated on the edges, and up to 10 centimeters in length. The oppositely arranged pairs may fuse about the stem at the bases. The flower cluster bears wide-mouthed tubular purple-blue flowers which may be over 3 centimeters long. The throat is lighter in color, lavender to nearly white, and hairless inside. This plant is often a pioneer species in recently disturbed habitats. It is great for a bird garden and is pollinated by wasps as well as by hummingbirds.

Showy Penstemons are beautiful, fast growing, and easy to grow. Plants start producing spectacular hummingbird-attracting purple flowers their first year. They like full sun if planted in rocky, loamy or clay soils that hold moisture better, and part shade if planted in drier, sandier soils. It's best to plant on a slight slope or on flats that drain at least moderately well. They'll flower more abundantly with occasional summer water (1x per month), but may be shorter lived. If planted in an area that holds water better, like a flat with loamy or clay soil, or a slight slope with plenty of rocks, it's usually not necessary to give any supplementary summer water. Showy Penstemonts are fairly short lived even under the best of circumstances, typically lasting 5-10 years. It's still a great plant to grow in southern California, since they grow quickly, and will often self seed and pop up in nearby spots in your garden, particularly in partly shaded areas. Packet will contain 15 seeds.