Plant Fact Sheet

Scrophulariaceae
Parry’s Penstemon
Penstemon parryi

Penstemon parryi, a member of the Figwort family, is a native to southern Arizona extending further south into Sonora, Mexico. It naturally occurs between 1,500ft and 5,000ft in mountain canyons and well draining slopes. The inherent durability, versatility, and beauty of Penstemon parryi have led to its extensive and successful use in Southwest landscape.

Parry’s Penstemon was named for Charles C. Parry, who served as surgeon-naturalist on the Mexican Boundary Survey from 1849-52.  Sixty-two plant species in California alone were nameds for this noted Western botanist.  The 2-5 inch long, blue-green, lanceolate leaves form a basal rosette from which numerous flower stalks emerge. Vibrant pink flowers dot the ends of these 3-5foot stalks during the months of March and April. Parry’s Penstemon needs a good amount of sunlight to flower but also appreciates a respite from the full afternoon sun in the low desert. Flowers stalks can be removed after flowering, but if left to seed P. parryi will reseed readily in your garden.

During the cool season when this penstemon is not actively growing it will only need water every other week. As temperatures increase, the plant will begin to experience new growth and watering should be stepped up to a good weekly soaking. Gardeners should be conscientious of this watering schedule since P.parryi becomes particularly susceptible to pests and diseases when their soil remains too wet. In addition over-watering can initially increase flower production but at the cost of the plant’s overall longevity. A fast draining soil will help off-set any over-watering.

Penstemon parryi is one of the easiest plants to incorporate into a desert landscape. Even the novice gardener will have no problems finding the perfect spot for this penstemon. When placed in with succulent material such as barrel cacti or agaves, Parry’s penstemon provides an attractive color accent. To create a natural and texturally rich wildflower look, mix P.parryi in with Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot Daisy), Calylophus hartwegii (Sundrops), Erigeron divergens (Fleabane), Baileya multiradiata (Desert-marigold), and/or other Penstemon species. More ideas on the application of this plant can be gathered from the Butterfly Garden, the Hummingbird Gardens and the Main Plaza landscape of The Living Desert.