Penstemon superbus

The Penstemon superbus, also known as the magnificent beardtongue, carries its name like a torch. Proud, shiny, and delicate, its flowering, reminiscent of a phlox, emerges from rockeries and well-drained beds from mid-spring to summer. In winter, its rosette foliage remains decorative, a bluish-grey-green colour often tinged with violet. A lovely flower for dry soil!

The Penstemon superbus is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. This botanical species is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. In the wild, it grows in rocky canyons and on lava between 1000 and 1700 meters above sea level. The magnificent beardtongue forms a basal clump composed of large lanceolate, glossy leaves with a bluish-grey-green colour, often violet-tinged. This foliage persists in winter. Flowering occurs from May to July, depending on the climate. Floral stems up to 80 cm in height emerge from the foliage. The tubular flowers at the base open widely into five lobes, measuring 3-4 cm long and are vibrant orange-red. They are distributed in small groups along the stem. This plant has a deep root system, which can make transplantation difficult but allows it to find some coolness at depth. The hardiness of this species is estimated at -15 °C in dry soil.

The Penstemon superbus is well adapted to our dry regions in summer and winter. It can be planted in raised beds, well-drained rockeries, or gravel gardens in favourable climates. It is a plant that does not tolerate excess water well. Beautiful scenes can be combined with shrubby salvias, baptisias, toadflaxes, and dry soil grasses such as Stipa pulcherrima, Eragrostis, or Muhlenbergia capillaris. Sow some love-in-a-mist, perennial flax and Californian poppies to spice things up. When planted in autumn, it will have time to establish its roots deeply and withstand the summer without damage. It is also a beautiful flower for bouquets.