Richardson’s Penstemon

Richardson’s penstemon is a mat-forming perennial native to rocky slopes, cliffs, and open forests of the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West, mostly east of the Cascades, though it grows well in our area. It is recognized by its glossy, often toothed or deeply lobed leaves and pink to bright magenta to reddish-purple tubular flowers that bloom from late spring to summer. These flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making the species an important pollinator plant in dry, rocky habitats. Richardson’s penstemon is highly drought-tolerant and well adapted to poor, well-drained soils, making it valuable for drought-resistant landscaping, and a possible addition to green roofs and rock gardens.