Wildflower/Perennial · Sonoran native
Superb Penstemon
Penstemon superbus · Plantaginaceae
Also called: Coral Penstemon, Superb Beardtongue
Superb Penstemon (Penstemon superbus) is a low-water wildflower/perennial native to the Sonoran Desert region well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun.
Superb Penstemon at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun
- Mature size
- 2-3 ft H rosette x 2-4 ft W; dramatic flower spikes 4-6 ft tall
- Growth rate
- Fast; forms a large rosette then sends up tall spikes in spring
- Bloom
- Coral-pink to salmon (occasionally reddish), Spring (roughly February/March-May)
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about 10-15 F (USDA zones 8-10)
- Soil
- Excellent drainage essential; sandy, gravelly, decomposed-granite, and rocky soils. Rots in heavy or wet soils.
- Native range
- Native to southeastern Arizona and extreme southwestern New Mexico (and adjacent Mexico); found in desert grassland, washes, and roadsides at mid elevations.
- Best used as
- Tall spring accent, Hummingbird and pollinator gardens, Native and xeriscape plantings, Background wildflower color
- Wildlife
- Highly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees; supports butterflies and other pollinators during spring.
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic.
How to grow Superb Penstemon in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Drought tolerant once established; in Tucson water every 1-2 weeks through the cool season and bloom, then very little in summer. Avoid summer overwatering.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Low needs; lean soils preferred. Little to no fertilizer required.
Pruning & care
Cut back the tall spent flower stalks after bloom; leave some to reseed. Tidy the basal rosette as old leaves decline.
Notes
Short-lived perennial that reseeds freely. Distinguished by its large blue-green leaves (often purple-tinged) and exceptionally tall, candelabra-like coral flower spikes that are among the showiest of the native penstemons. Excellent low-desert performer well-suited to Tucson.
Sources: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (Yuma plant index / penstemon archives); Mountain States Wholesale Nursery; Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory; Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum