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Penstemon ambiguus

Prairie or Sand Penstemon

Plant photo of: Penstemon ambiguus
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme - Editor        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Shrub like forming a semi-woody mound to 3' May thru Sept, covered with masses of pale pink to white flowers. Narrow bright green leaves tend to drop in winter. In very cold situations, might freeze back but recovers in spring. Suited to middle desert, native to elevations from 4500-6000' on sandy or gravelly soil. In Albuquerque bloom thru summer. Tends to rot out in low desert summers. Insists on good drainage and will not tolerate over-watering. Extremely drought tolerant

 

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Pink, White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Light Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low, Low

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks

Special Uses

Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

In shrub areas, convert from spray sprinklers to bubbler or drip systems that apply water directly to roots.

Occasionally check the soil's moisture level around shrubs before and after watering to determine if watering times are appropriate.