Foothill Penstemon : The Power of Plants

Plant of the Month-April

Foothill Penstemon, Bunchleaf Penstemon Penstemon heterophyllus Plant Form: Evergreen herbaceous perennial Water Use: Low Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall x 1-2 ft. wide Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun Bloom Time: Spring (Apr-May), Summer (June-July) Native to: California (below 5,500 feet) Hardiness: Cold hardy to 10°F Foothill Penstemon makes you smile just to look at it. Every one of its abundant blossoms appears to be stretching up to greet you personally. From its yellow flower buds, you would never guess the […]

Filed under Plant of the Month · Tagged with Bunchleaf Penstemon, California native plants, California water-wise gardening, Cut flowers for bouquets, Drought-tolerant plants, Foothill Penstemon, gardening with native plants, hummingbird gardens, low water use plants, Penstemon heterophyllus, Rabbit resistant, rock gardens, Southern California native plants, southwest desert landscaping, southwest native plants, Water-wise landscaping, Xeriscape plants

I am amazed every day at how much happens on our half-acre of High Desert property. Whether we are simply looking out the window at our bird feeders, working in our yard, or sitting on our deck watching the sunset, my husband and I get the biggest kick out of seeing the dynamics unfolding between our resident covey of a hundred quail, dozens of songbirds, rabbits, antelope ground squirrels, lizards, friendly snakes, occasional coyotes, bobcat, fox, and even hungry hawks.

It’s hard to believe how much activity can be packed into such a small yard when it has various levels of “living spaces,” simulating a multi-story hotel, creating homes galore in ground covers, branches, and canopies of plants. Added to the backdrop of a seasonal procession of color from flowering plants, fruiting shrubs and trees, the happenings in our yard provide continual cause for delight, surprise, inspiration, and celebration.

I hope you enjoy following the fascinating cycle of life that plays out in a yard dedicated to wildlife, water-wise native plants, and other delights of a hopeless plant lover.

Robin Kobaly's Soil Demo

You're Invited!

Join us on a captivating adventure into the world of plants and their impressive uses. Experience the plants growing in your area’s natural community as you never have before…through taste, smell, touch, herbal remedies, landscape, stories and even art.

Find food, medicine, home décor and garden landscaping in the plants native to the southwestern United States, and learn how to prepare them yourself during our hands-on workshops.

Have Fun Learning about Native Plants!

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About the Power of Plants
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