Wasatch Penstemon (Penstemon cyananthus) is one of the over 100 species of penstemon native to Utah! This variety is one of the earliest blooming, featuring bright, electric blue flowers that cover the plant by end of May. Wasatch Penstemon also features thinner, bright green leaves that differ from the leathery leaves of other penstemon varieties. It is very drought tolerant and tolerates competition better than some of the other varieties. Add to garden beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, xeric gardens, pollinator gardens, and natural prairie and meadow plantings. Will self-seed in its planting area.
Wasatch Penstemon
Native to Cache County: Yes
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish) or Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Mature Size: 12 - 18" tall and 10 - 24" wide
Spacing: 18 - 24" apart
Bloom Colors: Blue
Bloom Season: May - July
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun or Partial Shade
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Mildly salt tolerant
Soils: Requires well-draining sand or loam soil. Will tolerate some fertility in the soil, but not too much. Does not do well in clay soils.
Plants in the Penstemon family are host species for 19 known species of native pollinators in the Cache Valley area. Penstemon are also an important nectar source for both insects and hummingbirds. They may also provide some cover for certain smaller bird species.