Desert Penstemon

Penstemon pseudospectabilis

Desert Penstemon is a perennial for mid-border, suited to full sun and loam or sandy soil, flowering Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep.

Where to use it in a border

At around 90 cm, it sits best through the middle of a border, between taller structure behind and edging in front. Give it about 45 cm of room to spread, roughly 2 to the metre when planted in a drift. It is hardy across USDA zones 7a to 10b and rated H5 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of full sun, sandy soil, pollinator-friendly plants, pet-safe plants.

Border Builder uses Desert Penstemon's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

Flowering through the year

Worth knowing

• Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

• Angelita Daisyto edge in front
• Autumn Sageto flower when it does not
• Aztec Lilyto edge in front
• Black Daleato edge in front
• Blackfoot Daisyto edge in front
• Century Plantfor height behind it

Garden styles

Modern Wildlife garden Xeriscape (low-water)