Native to southern New Mexico and Arizona, this long-lived evergreen perennial or subshrub is a member of the plantain family, Plantaginaceae, that also includes snapdragon, turtlehead, and foxglove. The compact plants grow 10-15″ tall and spread to 12-18″. They have erect to arching stems bearing fine, dark green needle-like leaves that resemble those of a pine. From late spring to mid summer red-orange tubular flowers 1″ long are carried on erect 7″ long racemes and are attractive to butterflies and humingbirds. Pineleaf beardstongue is drought tolerant once established and is an excellent choice for a xeriscape, as well as rock, wildflower, and native plant gardens. The genus name, Penstemon, comes from the Greek words pente meaning five and stamon meaning the warp of an upright loom, and refers to the five thread-like pollen bearing organs of the flower that stand upright. The specific epithet, pinifolius, comes from the Latin name for pine tree, Pinus, and folius, meaning leaf, referring to the resemblance of the leaf to that of a pine.
Type: Evergreen herbaceous perennial or subshrub
Bloom: Racemes of red-orange tubular flowers 1″ long from late spring to mid summer
Size: 10-15″ H x 12-18″ W
Light: Full sun; tolerates some shade
Soil: Average, dry to moderately moist, well-drained; light watering in times of drought beneficial to flowering.
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Shear off the flowers spikes as the flowers fade to promote rebloom.
Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy but susceptible to damage by slugs, snails, and powdery mildew
Propagation: Seed, softwood cuttings early summer, semi-ripe mid summer
Companion Plants: Yellow coneflower, black-eyed Susan, clary sage
Outstanding Selections:
“Compacta’
‘Mersea Yellow’
‘Nearly Red’
‘Magdalena Sunshine’
Photo Credit: Andy king50 Wikispecies
Karen Meyers