PENSTEMON SEED - Rocky Mountain

This variety of PENSTEMON SEED is perfect for pollinator mixes, garden beds and borders, and rock gardens. Its attractive flowers are highly appealing to both honey bees and wild bees, making it a valuable addition to any garden. Plus, it is extremely drought-tolerant, making it a reliable choice for xeriscaping.

Penstemon Strictus - Stunning in wildflower gardens or naturalized settings! Grown from seeds, it's a brilliant blue native US plant. Enjoy intense 1-inch snapdragon-shaped blooms on 24-36 inch stems that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Rocky Mountain penstemon seeds thrive in North American gardens with up to 120 days of heat and drought. These drought-resistant plants, native to Wyoming and New Mexico, can grow easily indoors or outdoors even in poor soil.

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.

Growing: Water seedlings until they become established. This plant develops rather slowly, and usually begins blooming in its second year. Mature plants tolerate drought well, though they also appreciate occasional watering in especially dry weather. After blooming cut the plant back to several inches above the soil, unless seed is wanted. Do not overwater, since this plant is particularly susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too moist. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.