Desert Beardtongue, Canyon Penstemon, Mojave Beardtongue (Penstemon pseudospectabilis)
Type: Perennial
Size: 1 foot high, 2 feet wide, with flower stalks to 5 feet high
Bloom: March–June
Water use: Low to moderate
Desert beardtongue is a captivating perennial with deep rose to salmon-pink flowers that provide valuable spring nectar for nesting hummingbirds. The tubular flowers appear in whorls along the flower stalk and bloom from early to late spring.
As with many others in its family, desert beardtongue needs a gravelly, well-drained soil, filtered or afternoon shade, and a deep soaking once a month during the summer to prevent dormancy.
This showy hummingbird magnet is marvelous for rock gardens, seasonal washes, mixed borders, raised beds, and mass plantings.
