A fistful of penstemons.

About a month ago, three species of penstemon joined several other seeds in our spare refrigerator, though thankfully none of these require months of cold stratification. Around February 16th I began preparing two pots of Penstemon pinifolius (Pineleaf Penstemon) and one pot of Penstemon whippleanus (Whipple's Penstemon). On February 23rd I added six pots of Penstemon palmeri, commonly known as Palmer's Penstemon, Scented Penstemon, or Pink Wild Snapdragon. Penstemon palmeri will be planted alongside Ipomopsis rubra (Standing Cypress), and these two herbaceous plants will form part of the background for a collection of dwarf conifers, such as Picea pungens 'Globosa' and Thuja occidentalis 'Golden Globe'. I will post a picture once things get planted, but for now that part of the garden is still in preparation.

Since each of these penstemons require about four to eight weeks of cold stratification, they are just about ready to move to a warmer location. I will also begin germinating Ipomopsis rubra around the same time.

Penstemon palmeri. Photo by Stan Shebs.

Ipomopsis rubra by artist Ellis Rowan.

These native species will join several Penstemon 'Delft Blue Riding Hood' purchased last year from our local Lowes. And, since many penstemon species and cultivars seem to grow well in this climate, these will undoubtedly not be the last!