Penstemon ambiguus
Prairie or Sand Penstemon
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
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
Make sure ponds and water features aren't leaking, splash out is minimized, and water for streams and waterfalls is recirculated.
Keeping water surface areas small and partially shaded will also reduce evaporation.