Penstemon is grown for its blooms, which open in summer. Notably, it shrugs off deer and shrugs off dry spells. Its summer flowers are a real draw for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Zones
Data not available
pH Range
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Sun
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Days to Maturity
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Score Penstemon on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether penstemon actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score penstemon against your land's real conditions.
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What Penstemon is
Penstemon reaches around four feet at maturity. It blooms in summer. It's also deer-resistant.
How to grow Penstemon
USDA Zones
Data not available
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
Data pending
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Data pending
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
Data pending
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
4 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant penstemon in full sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Pull a soil test from your local Extension lab to confirm pH and drainage match penstemon's needs before planting.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. Match watering to the plant's drainage preference and your local rainfall.
Harvest at its peak
Cut penstemon blooms in the cool of the morning, just as they open, for the longest display.
Good to know
Good news for pet owners — penstemon isn't known to be toxic to dogs or cats. (Source: ASPCA.)
Penstemon is a standout pollinator plant — high value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Penstemon thrives
Whether penstemon thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.
See if Penstemon will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether penstemon actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Penstemon in my zone?
Zone data for penstemon is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.
When should you plant Penstemon?
Most growers plant penstemon after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
What soil does Penstemon need?
Specific pH data for penstemon is pending. A soil test from your local Extension lab confirms what your site needs.
Does Penstemon attract pollinators?
Yes — penstemon's flowers are a strong nectar and pollen source for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Penstemon safe for pets?
Penstemon is not known to be toxic to dogs or cats based on available data (ASPCA). Always supervise pets around new plantings.