As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that native Penstemons are indeed considered to be highly drought tolerant once they have become established. This means that once they have had some time to settle into their new environment and develop a strong root system, they can withstand extended periods of dry weather without requiring much additional water.
It is important to note that while all Penstemons prefer full sun, there are some species that can tolerate desert heat and are perfectly happy in filtered or part sun conditions. So, if you have a garden with partial shade or areas that receive filtered sunlight, there are still Penstemons that will thrive in those conditions.
When it comes to the soil, native Penstemons perform best in sandy, well-drained soils. The sandy soil allows for excellent drainage, preventing water from sitting around the roots and potentially causing root rot. Well-drained soil is crucial for the health and survival of these plants, as they do not tolerate soggy or waterlogged conditions.
However, I must mention that there is one exception to the soil preference of Penstemons. The Penstemon palmeri species is known to tolerate clay soil, but with a caveat – it requires little to no irrigation. If you have clay soil and plan to irrigate your garden regularly, it may not be the best fit for this particular species of Penstemon.
In my personal experience, I have found that once native Penstemons are established in my garden, they require minimal watering. During dry spells or drought conditions, I have observed that they continue to thrive while other plants struggle. This resilience to drought is one of the reasons why Penstemons are highly valued in xeriscaping and water-wise gardening.
To summarize, native Penstemons are generally considered to be drought tolerant once established. They prefer full sun but can tolerate filtered or part sun, especially the species adapted to desert heat. Sandy, well-drained soils are ideal for their growth, while P. palmeri can tolerate clay soil with minimal irrigation. These plants have proven their ability to withstand dry conditions and are excellent choices for water-wise gardening.
