10 July 2014
By: Ryan Lloyd
Today seven new species of penstemon were added to the garden’s existing collection. Penstemon abietinus, Penstemon linarioides, Penstemon linarioides subsp. coloradoensis SILVERTON, Penstemon alpinus, Penstemon jamesii, Penstemon pseudospectabilis and Penstemon thompsoniae subsp. jaegeri were all planted in various locations on the grounds.
Linda Churchill instructs students on proper irrigation set up for new plantings of penstemons.
Most were planted in rocky, well-drained soils towards the back of the garden near the ‘hot box’. This is an area that receives intense sunlight for a good portion of the day. Since most penstemons are highly tolerant of drought conditions and direct sun, this part of the garden should suit them well. Some of the new penstemons, like P. linarioides and P. alpinus were planted in border areas on the far side of the orchard. These areas are also quite sunny and hot; a great place for xeric plants like these penstemons. The plants were sources from two local nurseries here in town, Agua Fria Nursery and Plants of the Southwest. The acquisition of these plants was made possible by a grant from the American Penstemon Society.
Penstemons already planted and established in the garden include Penstemon barbatus, Penstemon x mexicali ‘Pike’s Peak Purple’, Penstemon rostriflorus, Penstemon strictus and Penstemon pinifolius.
Penstemon strictus.
