Plant of the Month – April
0Margarita Penstemon BOP
Penstemon heterophyllus x ‘BOP’
- Plant Form: Evergreen sub-shrub
- Water Use: Low
- Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall and wide
- Exposure: Full sun, part sun
- Bloom Time: Spring (Apr-May), Summer (June-July)
- Native to: Hybrid from California parents
- Hardiness: Cold hardy to 10°F
The long-lasting, vibrant blue-to-rose purple flowers on this compact penstemon attract hummingbirds and butterflies…and human garden admirers! This low-water-use perennial is tolerant of heavy soils and summer water, although it needs only occasional watering when established.
Margarita Penstemon BOP is a compact perennial with stunning blue flowers tinged with purple. It is noted for its tolerance of a wide range of garden conditions and for living longer than other cultivars of this species. It originates from a chance hybrid at the bottom of the porch (BOP) of Bert Wilson, founder of Las Pilitas Nursery. Adding to this tidy plant’s popularity is its tolerance for heavy soils and summer watering, although it needs only occasional watering after becoming established. Happiest in well-drained soils under full sun, it needs water only once or twice a month. This small, shrub-like perennial forms a tufted mound of stems with linear leaves that turn from green to maroon in late summer and fall. Prized for its disease resistance, garden tolerance, and long, profuse bloom season, it is also remarkably rabbit-resistant. Margarita Penstemon is perfect for rock gardens, flower beds, the sunny foreground of mixed borders, dry slopes, pollinator gardens, and containers. Besides its stunning display in the garden, its cut flowers hold up nicely in arrangements.
Comments