Penstemon cyananthus

Common Names

Wasatch Penstemon, Wasatch Beardtongue

Summary

Wasatch beardtongue is a perennial native to Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming in the western United States, with an erect to decumbent growth habit and stems 0.5–3 ft tall. It has basal and cauline leaves, lanceolate to oblanceolate, with foliage that can be glabrous or puberulent. The plant bears blue to violet tubular flowers in cylindric to subsecund dense spikes at stem tips, blooming in spring to early summer and attracting native bees.

Prefers full sun and well-drained soils; drought-tolerant after establishment; hardy in USDA zones 4a–10b. Propagation is mainly by seed with moist stratification at about 40°F for 10–16 weeks; division in spring; cuttings in late summer. In landscape use, it suits rock gardens, front-of-border plantings, containers, and native or xeriscape plantings, tolerates competition and dry conditions, and provides habitat for pollinators.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

1-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, typically loam to sandy loam, with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0-7.5, Neutral to slightly alkaline

Bloom Color

Blue to violet

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators