Pineleaf Penstemon
Pineleaf Penstemon is a small, flowering subshrub native to Arizona and New Mexico. It has dark green, needle-like leaves.
Small, scarlet, funnel-shaped flowers bloom prolifically in early summer. The long-lived penstemon is a good choice for sunny, dry gardens in the Pikes Peak area.
Pineleaf Penstemon
Pineleaf Penstemon is a small, flowering subshrub native to Arizona and New Mexico. It has dark green, needle-like leaves.
Small, scarlet, funnel-shaped flowers bloom prolifically in early summer. The long-lived penstemon is a good choice for sunny, dry gardens in the Pikes Peak area.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Penstemon pinifolius
Pronunciation
PEN-stem-on pin-ee-FOH-lee-us
Mature Height
6 to 10 in.
Mature Spread
12 to 15 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
orange-red
Bloom time
June
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,000 ft.
Performance
The penstemon is good for sunny, dry gardens. At the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, the plant has grown in several hot locations. It adds nice color to the garden when in bloom.
Maintenance
Cut down old foliage in late fall or early spring before new growth starts. Cut down the stems of the spent flowers after bloom, if desired.
See in a landscape
It may surprise you, but this entire yard is xeriscape! The plants in this landscape are all well adapted to Colorado and grouped according to water need which makes the best use of water in the landscape. The turfgrass is a dwarf tall fescue and looks great with 2/3rds the water of traditional grass. A tip for large yards like this one is to plant in groups to create unity and interest and to choose larger xeric shrubs where possible to help reduce maintenance.