1. * Palmer’s Penstemon/Wild Pink Snapdragon – Penstemon palmeri
(PEN-stem-on PALM-er-ee)
Family: Plantaginaceae/Veroniceae (Plantain Family) – formerly in Scophulariaceae
Native to: Mojave Desert foothills to Utah, Arizona & New Mexico; washes, roadsides, canyon floors,
and other similar areas between 3500 and 6500 feet in creosote-bush scrub to pinyon/juniper
woodland.
herbaceous perennial
mature height: 3-5+ ft.
mature width: 2-3 ft.
Herbaceous perennial that dies back to a woody root in late summer/fall. Foliage a distinctive soft
gray-green. Leaves fleshy, triangular: basal leaves toothed.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in late spring or summer. Flowers are a soft pale pink to pale lavender with
darker magenta markings. Flowers on tall stalks – very showy. The flowers are more open than
many penstemons and they have a sweet fragrance. Make a nice, long-lived cut flower.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Makes a lovely addition at the back of water-wise beds. Takes heat, so good
choice for hot, dry places. . Combine with other drought tolerant perennials and small shrubs, such
as other Penstemon species, Buckwheats, Artemisias. Good for hummingbird gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Snapdragons, Foxgloves.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bumblebees.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Well-drained soils are best (sandy or rocky); clays OK except in very wet years.
No/very little summer water once established (Zone 1 or 1-2); no water after
flowering ceases.
None
Prune off old dead stalks in fall. The real trick is summer dry conditions. Let plant
produce some seedlings to reproduce itself.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: cold-moist conditions for stored seeds; fall/winter
by cuttings: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 30, widely available
5/1/11
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co.
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