Penstemon heterophyllus True Blue Seeds - Beardtongue

The tubular flowers of a true azure blue of Penstemon heterophyllus True Blue, bloom profusely atop dark green foliage tinged with grey. This semi-evergreen subshrub is very hardy, tough plant that is perfect in rock gardens, borders or in big tubs, even in dry soils. It self-seeds easily here and there in the garden and can readily be grown as an annual since it is capable of flowering the same year as the time of sowing.

Penstemon heterophyllus is an ephemeral perennial or sub-shrub native to the hills, prairies and open forest areas of the chaparral and mountain foothills of California and Oregon, at altitudes below 5500 m. 'True Blue', a variety from which it is derived, features truly blue flowers. This plant quickly forms bushy masses that reach 45-50 cm in height. They are covered with linear evergreen leaves and flower abundantly throughout the summer. For weeks on end, they bear spikes of 3.5 cm long, deep azure-blue tubular flowers, provided that the wilted flowers are regularly removed. Flowering is melliferous and nectar-rich.

Penstemon 'True Blue’ will thrive in rock gardens, in borders or in tubs in the company of beeblossoms, snapdragons or baby sage. Its unique blue hue matches perfectly with orange California poppies. The plants benefit from being cut down to 5 cm in early spring, as the new stems will be more colourful. This penstemon is drought tolerant once it is well established. It is probably the best species for gardens in the south of France.