Penstemon strictus - Beardtongue

The Penstemon strictus is a hardy perennial botanical species native to high-altitude prairies in Colorado and Wyoming, where it grows in the sun on rocky, well-drained soils. In summer, this highly floriferous plant forms a beautiful cluster of slender stems covered in bright blue-violet flowers that stand out in flower beds and a not-too-arid rock garden. More tolerant than others, this penstemon is relatively easy to acclimatise in gardens, planted in well-drained soil, and occasionally moist to dry. It should mainly thrive in medium mountain gardens.

The Penstemon strictus is a bushy perennial plant belonging to the scrophulariaceae family, like foxgloves and snapdragons. Like many penstemons, it is native to the mountainous regions of North America, specifically the southwest United States, for this strictus species. While it tolerates some humidity in summer (in well-drained soil), intense cold combined with excessive humidity is detrimental. The plant first forms a rosette of elongated, thin, glossy green leaves that persist in winter. Solid, vertical, leafy stems rise in spring, forming a cluster of about 60 cm (24in) in all directions. These sparsely branched, green-coloured stems bear small lanceolate leaves of a vivid colour, which more or less persist in winter, depending on the climate. Flowering occurs from May to June to July to August, which is more or less early, depending on the environment. It develops at the terminal part of the leafy stems. The slightly trailing flowers, tubular at the base and 3 cm (1in) long, are densely clustered. They have a particularly vibrant colour, tinged with violet and indigo.

The penstemon or strictus beardtongue is used in rock gardens, flower beds, or borders, among perennials such as agapanthus, gaillardias, and catmints, with ground cover roses or mixed with annuals such as love-in-a-mist and cosmos. It pairs particularly well with the acidic green tones of lady's mantle and spurge. Penstemons are also cultivated in pots with fertiliser and water and make excellent cut flowers.