Grand Mesa Beardtongue
Grand Mesa Penstemon is a perennial flower native to the western slope of Colorado. It has a mat of glossy green leaves that turn orange-red in winter. In May, it produces stunning spikes of cobalt-blue flowers. It's worth planting simply for the incredible flower color.
Grand Mesa Beardtongue
Grand Mesa Penstemon is a perennial flower native to the western slope of Colorado. It has a mat of glossy green leaves that turn orange-red in winter. In May, it produces stunning spikes of cobalt-blue flowers. It's worth planting simply for the incredible flower color.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Penstemon mensarum
Pronunciation
PEN-stem-on men-SAH-rum
Mature Height
24 to 30 in.
Mature Spread
10 to 16 in.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
blue
Bloom time
May and June
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
native to the western slope of Colorado
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 9,500 ft.
Performance
Grand Mesa Penstemon is a beautiful bloomer at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Individual plants live only for a few years, but they are worth replanting because of the stunning flower spikes.
Maintenance
Remove spikes of spent flowers after bloom.