The stunning Coral Penstemon

Penstemon plants complement many of our desert plants, including prickly pear, ocotillo or barrel cactus. Be careful when planting penstemons too close to cactus however, as you do not want to inadvertently water cactus too often while trying to establish penstemon plants. Barrel cactus and sahuaros are especially vulnerable to overwatering. The Texas Ranger is a desert adapted plant that thrives in our alkaline soils, and takes our heat and alkaline soil in stride. The species with silvery leaves make for a striking contrast to many flower colors, but also to plants with coarse texture, such as cactus, or dark green leaves. Just make sure you select the right plant for the right spot – since many Texas Rangers grow quite large.View the list »
Chrysactinia is a small shrub sometimes used as a ground cover. The stunning yellow flowers on lush green foliage appears in the early spring, and again in fall, although not quite as profusely. Chrysactinia would make a pleasant foreground plant to any penstemon species, since it stays a petite one or two foot tall plant.

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The penstemon species known as Coral Penstemon, Penstemon superbus, is a native to Arizona, and also found in New Mexico and northern Mexico in rocky canyons and washes. This is a great addition to your Green Valley and Tucson desert landscaping, but make sure you give it lots of room, as this is the largest of the species, and can reach nearly 6 feet tall!

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Since this is such a tall plant, you can hide it behind shorter perennials or shrubs, allowing it to peek up behind other plants when in bloom. As the name implies, the Coral Penstemon has bright, vivid coral flowers. This plant blooms in the spring. It attracts hummingbirds. The leaves are also attractive, as they are often tinged in purple.

Suggested companion plants include Chrysactinia or the small version of Texas Ranger, Leucophyllum zygophyllum ‘Cimarron’. Penstemons also look great next to cactus and succulents. Try planting with agaves, ocotillo or prickly pear for a truly spectacular desert plant theme.

Reference: Mountain States Wholesale Nursery and Gregg Starr Nursery Plant Info Sheet, 1999.

View the list
  • Chrysactinia is a small shrub sometimes used as a ground cover. The stunning yellow flowers on lush green foliage appears in the early spring, and again in fall, although not quite as profusely. Chrysactinia would make a pleasant foreground plant to any penstemon species, since it stays a petite one or two foot tall plant.
  • The Texas Ranger is a desert adapted plant that thrives in our alkaline soils, and takes our heat and alkaline soil in stride. The species with silvery leaves make for a striking contrast to many flower colors, but also to plants with coarse texture, such as cactus, or dark green leaves. Just make sure you select the right plant for the right spot – since many Texas Rangers grow quite large.
  • Penstemon plants complement many of our desert plants, including prickly pear, ocotillo or barrel cactus. Be careful when planting penstemons too close to cactus however, as you do not want to inadvertently water cactus too often while trying to establish penstemon plants. Barrel cactus and sahuaros are especially vulnerable to overwatering. 
View the list

, Tucson Gardening Examiner

This author has lived in Arizona since 1972 and has been gardening for more than 28 years. A landscape architect and certified arborist, Linda teaches classes for everyone in desert plant care for Green Valley Recreation, and provides services in landscape design. Contact her at Linda...

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