Penstemon nitidus, a western beauty... it is happy and long-lived here in garden conditions (which probably makes sense, as it is locally native).
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Re: Smooth blue beardtongue
Gosh, I was first exposed to rock garden plants in my college years. And it was many years after that that I took a heavy interest in them. No wonder you all know so much!
I think I have P. nitidus seeds again. Hope they turn out to be what they're labeled this time. A most intense flower color, even though it is not dark hue. I've never seen a bad pic of the species, and Lori, you sure can grow 'em!
Re: Smooth blue beardtongue
Well, thank you, Rick, but it's certainly not anything I do - they just like to grow here!
Re: Smooth blue beardtongue
Breaks my heart...I can't it in Newfoundland.
Here is a pic of a purple-flowered one I found in southern Alberta. It certainly jumped out from all the blue ones around it.
Re: Smooth blue beardtongue
P. nitidus is certainly one of the harbinger's of Spring along the Colorado Front Range. Based on the replies above it appears to be a truly global must for the rock garden! I have P. nitidus growing in a sand/gravel mix in the rock garden, as well as in a lean rock hard dry border, next to cacti of all sorts.
Re: Smooth blue beardtongue (Penstemon nitidus)
After about 7 years in the ground, my old plants started to decline... so (for once!) I took appropriate action. I scattered the copious seed they produced around the area - most of it ended up down along the sidewalk... but all the better for viewing, I suppose! Now about 3 years later, the young plants should soon be blooming en masse!
Re: Smooth blue beardtongue (Penstemon nitidus)
I love this Penstemon also. I only have one plant that I moved form North Dakota eight years ago,it is in great shape yet, but has not seeded around. My springs may be too dry to get good germination.
I haven't succeeded in
I haven't succeeded in getting this one to germinate from any seed I had.... still hope to add it to the growing mix of penstemons in the garden here.
I grew P. nitidus many years ago when I lived with my parents up until my college years. Nothing says blue like P. nitidus, such an outstanding species. I cannot attest to this plant's longevity in cultivation, as frankly my rock garden at my parents house went into abandon once I was away at college, but it left an indelible impression on my memory as one of the most outstanding Penstemon species ever.