top of page

Low Penstemon (Penstemon humilis) is a compact, drought-tolerant perennial wildflower native to the Intermountain West and Great Basin regions of North America. This species is well-adapted to high desert plains, sagebrush-steppe, and rocky mountain slopes, where it grows in full sun and well-drained soils. Its tidy, low-growing rosettes give rise to short, upright stems bearing spikes of tubular flowers in shades of soft lavender to deep violet-blue. Despite its modest stature, Low Penstemon brings subtle beauty and ecological value to arid landscapes.

 

Low Penstemon provides an important nectar source for native bees and small pollinators adapted to dry, open environments. Its tubular blooms are particularly attractive to solitary bees and occasional hummingbirds, which rely on these early- to mid-season flowers for foraging. The plant’s fibrous root system aids in stabilizing sandy or gravelly soils, making it an excellent choice for dryland restoration and erosion control efforts.

 

Low Penstemon thrives in full sun and prefers loose, rocky, or sandy soils with excellent drainage. Seeds benefit from cold stratification and are best sown in fall or chilled before a spring sowing. Once established, Low Penstemon is highly resilient, requiring little to no irrigation and offering years of reliable, low-maintenance growth in challenging conditions.

Low Penstemon - Penstemon humilis

SKU: S-PENHUM
$5.00Price
Quantity
Only 8 left in stock
  • Scientific Name Penstemon humilis
    Habitat High desert plains, sagebrush-steppe, rocky slopes
    USDA Zone 3 – 8
    Native Region Western North America
    Phenology Perennial
    Height 6 – 16"
    Light Requirement Full Sun
    Water Requirement Low
    Soil Type Sandy, Rocky, or Loamy
    Germination Time 45 days cold stratification, 14-30 days warm
    Difficulty ⸙⸙
    Planting Season Fall or Early Spring
    Bloom Season Late Spring to Early Summer
    Pollinators Native Bees, Hummingbirds
Ghostflower Grange Logo
2025 © Ghostflower Grange

All photos copyright Ghostflower Grange unless otherwise captioned.

bottom of page