The easiest Penstemon to grow, in my experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, is the Penstemon strictus, commonly known as Rocky Mountain penstemon. This native penstemon features stunning bright purple-blue flowers that bloom on spikes that can reach up to 30 inches in height. The flowers add a vibrant splash of color to any garden or landscape.
One of the reasons why I consider Penstemon strictus to be the easiest to grow is because of its long lifespan. Once established, this penstemon can be a permanent fixture in your garden, providing beauty year after year. Unlike some other penstemon varieties, it is not prone to quickly declining or dying off, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Another reason why Penstemon strictus is fuss-free is its adaptability. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay, and is not very picky when it comes to pH levels. This makes it suitable for a variety of garden settings, whether you have acidic or alkaline soil. Additionally, this penstemon can withstand both drought and heat, making it a great choice for regions with hot summers.
One of the standout features of Penstemon strictus is its evergreen foliage. The leaves remain lush and green throughout the year, even in colder climates. This adds a touch of greenery to your garden even during the winter months when many other plants have gone dormant. The evergreen foliage also provides a nice backdrop for the vibrant flowers to stand out against.
In terms of care, Penstemon strictus is relatively low-maintenance. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Regular watering during its establishment period is important to help it establish a strong root system. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, during prolonged dry periods, it is still beneficial to provide some supplemental watering to ensure the plant’s health.
To enhance the overall appearance and encourage more blooms, deadheading the faded flowers is recommended. This helps redirect the plant’s energy into producing new blooms, resulting in a longer flowering period. If desired, you can also divide the plant every few years to maintain its vigor and promote better growth.
In my personal experience, I have found Penstemon strictus to be a reliable and easy-to-grow plant. I have planted it in various garden settings, from formal flower beds to more naturalistic landscapes, and it has thrived in all of them. Its vibrant flowers never fail to attract pollinators, adding an extra element of life and movement to the garden.
To summarize, Penstemon strictus, or Rocky Mountain penstemon, is the easiest penstemon to grow in my opinion. Its long lifespan, adaptability to various soil types, tolerance to drought and heat, and evergreen foliage make it a fuss-free choice for gardeners. With its stunning purple-blue flowers and low-maintenance nature, it is a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape.
