'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon
Penstemon heterophyllus 'Electric Blue'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low; drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers low to average humidity
Lifespan
Short-lived perennial
Native To
California, USA
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
A semi-evergreen perennial or sub-shrub native to California, forming a low mound of narrow, gray-green leaves. It produces spikes of tubular flowers in late spring and summer and requires excellent drainage. Exceptionally bright blue coloration, which is more intense than many other Penstemon species.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Tuck seeds lightly into soil surface and water gently.
- Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; expect germination in 2-3 weeks.
- Place in full sun for optimal flowering, ensuring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season.
- Prune after flowering to promote bushy growth and remove spent flowers.
Pro Tip
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms outdoors.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots during active growth
- Refrain from using high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote leaf growth over flowers
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon questions
What zones can 'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon grow in?
'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is 'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon deer resistant?
Yes — 'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does 'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon bloom?
'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does 'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon need full sun?
'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is 'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), 'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Penstemon to compare
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Penstemon digitalis 'George Home'
Beardtongue Rondo
Penstemon barbatus 'Rondo'
Blackbeard Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis 'Blackbeard'
Dark Towers Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis 'Dark Towers'
Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Red Foxglove Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis 'Arabesque Red'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow 'Electric Blue' Foothill Penstemon with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
