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
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.