Wasatch Penstemon

Wasatch penstemon is the familiar blue penstemon of the foothills of the Wasatch Front. It is a very memorable blue, with flowers densely massed along the flowering stalks for a decidedly showy effect. The relatively thin, bright green leaves are different from the leathery leaves of many other penstemons. Wasatch penstemon is the earliest-flowering of the tall blue penstemons in our garden, in full bloom by the end of May. It tolerates competition better than most penstemons, and can be a very successful component of foothill wildflower meadows. This species, as most penstemons, will volunteer freely from seed if you give it a chance. Clipping the flowering stalks while still very green can also prolong the life of the plant. To collect seed, wait until the stalks dry out, and tip the seeds from the open capsules into a paper bag. In some years, insects destroy most of the seed crop