Ryberg’s Penstemon

Rybergs Penstemon (Penstemon rybergii) is a perennial flowering plant native to the western United States, commonly in arid and semi-arid regions. Penstemon rybergii is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging soils like rocky or sandy soils. This Penstemon forms a deep root that makes it ideal for drought environments.

General Description:

Rybergs Penstemon (Penstemon rybergii) is a perennial flowering plant native to the western United States, commonly in arid and semi-arid regions. Penstemon rybergii is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging soils like rocky or sandy soils. This Penstemon forms a deep root that makes it ideal for drought environments. Ryberg’s Penstemon generally grows 12-18 inches tall. It forms an erect flower rising from a basal rosette of leaves. The flowers are trumpet shaped commonly lavender to purple in color. The flowers are arranged in clusters along upright stems and bloom in late spring to early summer. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped with gray-green to silvery appearance due to the fine hairs.

Uses:

Penstemon rybergii is commonly used for xeriscaping and native plant gardens for its drought tolerance. It is also used for habitat restoration in arid and semi-arid climates. The striking flowers attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Planting Conditions:

Ryberg’s Penstemon prefers well-drained soils such as sandy, gravelly or even rocky. It will struggle in soils that have heavy clay. It is commonly found in open woodlands, sagebrush, mountainous regions at elevations between 4,000- 9,000 feet. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Once Penstemon rybergii is established it is drought tolerant and needs minimal water. This penstemon prefers neutral soils between a pH of 6.0 – 7.5.

Establishment:

When planting Ryberg’s Penstemon clear the area of any weeds that will add competition and amend the soil if needed. The best time to plant penstemon is early fall of spring after the last frost date. The seeds do not require any cold stratification but it may improve the germination if it goes through natural stratification over winter. There is a risk planting late fall of it starting to germinate come spring time, then experiencing a late hard frost could potentially kill the new seedlings. When watering keep the soil consistently wet until germination. After germination provide occasional water until plant is established.

The first year the plant develops deep roots and the second growing season is when you will begin getting flowers.

Seeding Rate:

Broadcast 1-2 pounds per acre