P. 'Elfin Pink'                         P. 'Prarie Dusk'     

Two weeks ago, we wrote about a native with blue flowers - Penstemon 'Margartia BOP'. Currently, we have a number of penstemons in different colors available at the nursery. One which is native to the US southwest is Penstemon 'Elfin Pink'. As you would think, it bears pink flowers - lots of long tubular, bright pink flowers. It shares many of the desirable traits of P. 'Margartia BOP' including drought tolerance but appreciates a bit more water. Like all penstemons though, it needs good drainage and ample sun. Penstemon 'Elfin Pink' grows to about 12" - 15" high and wide. Many of our plants are already blooming and would add instant punch to a gray foliage area or combined with plants with white flowers.

A different colored penstemon in the nursery about to bloom or already in bloom is Penstemon 'Prairie Dusk'. It is a larger plant growing to about 18-24" high and wide. Flowers are violet purple bells atop dark green foliage. Works well in a natural setting as well as a perennial border. Both of these penstemons will attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
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