Penstemon heterophyllus 'Electric Blue'

USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–10

Light: Full sun

Mature Size: 12–18" tall | 12–18" wide

Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators

Bloom Time: May–July

Water Needs: Low to moderate; prefers dry, well-drained soils

Soil: Sandy, gravelly, sharply drained soils

Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial

Flowers: Striking gentian-blue tubular blooms held in loose clusters above narrow green foliage

Ideal For: Pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, rock gardens, native plantings, dry slopes

Evergreen: No

Why We Love It:
Foothill penstemon brings intense blue color to the garden at a time when many xeric perennials are just beginning to wake up. Its vivid tubular flowers seem to glow against the narrow green foliage and quickly become a favorite stop for hummingbirds and pollinators. Tough, drought tolerant, and perfectly suited to lean rocky soils, it thrives in sunny water-wise landscapes with very little maintenance. This is one of those plants that looks right at home tucked among boulders, gravel, and native grasses.

Additional Info:
Deer resistant and highly adaptable to dry western climates once established. Performs best in sharply drained soils and should not be overwatered, especially during winter. Light shearing after flowering can help maintain a compact, tidy shape and may encourage additional blooms.