Cutleaf Penstemon

Penstemon richardsonii

Plantaginaceae

• Spokane native
• Full Sun - Part Shade
• 2' tall x 2' wide
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Flower Color: Pink to rosy purple flowers (June to August)
• Wildlife Value: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects

Cutleaf Penstemon is a showy native perennial that provides vivid color to wildflower meadows, rock gardens, and pollinator gardens. This drought-tolerant beauty thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to part sun locations. The plant forms attractive clumps with upright flowering stems that create excellent vertical accents in the garden. It is exceptionally well-adapted to Spokane's dry summers.

The flowers are spectacular tubular blooms in vibrant shades of pink to rosy purple, appearing from June through August. The blooms are arranged in dense whorls along tall stems, creating impressive spikes that can reach two feet or more in height. Each flower is about one inch long with the classic two-lipped penstemon shape. The dusty green foliage forms basal rosettes and adds attractive texture even when the plant is not in bloom. The leaves have a slightly grayish cast that enhances drought tolerance.

This penstemon is a magnet for hummingbirds, which are drawn to the vibrant pink-purple tubular flowers. Native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects also visit the blooms regularly throughout the extended flowering season. The plant provides sustained nectar resources during the critical summer months. Like all penstemons, it is deer resistant and requires minimal maintenance once established.

Cutleaf Penstemon is perfect for meadow landscapes, rock gardens, and pollinator gardens where its vivid color can shine. The rosy purple flowers create stunning combinations with blue and yellow wildflowers. Plant in groups of three to five for maximum impact. Excellent companions include Blue Flax, Blanket Flower, yarrow, and native grasses such as Blue Grama and Idaho Fescue. This penstemon also works beautifully in cottage garden borders and xeric plantings.