Native Utah Plants
Dusty Penstemon
Dusty Penstemon
Penstemon comarrhenus
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Dusty Penstemon (Penstemon comarrhenus), is a subtle beauty of Utah’s southern canyons and woodlands, known for its soft, bluish-lavender blooms and clean, upright form. Unlike its flashier penstemon cousins, this species lends a quiet charm to native gardens and naturalized landscapes. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and open flower spikes create a light, airy texture that plays well with bolder companions.
With a reputation for reliability even tough environments, Dusty Penstemon is especially valuable in low-water landscapes where it adds long-lasting structure and seasonal color without demanding attention. It's a favorite of native pollinators and blends seamlessly into high desert gardens, woodland edges, and gravelly slopes. This is a plant for those who appreciate the elegance of restraint—and the quiet hum of bees at work.
Plant Profile
Plant Profile
Scientific name: Penstemon comarrhenus
Duration: Perennial
Native region: Southern Utah
Native elevation: 5500-9000 ft
Water requirement: Low
Drought tolerance: High
Light requirement: Full sun
Shade tolerance: Low
Mature size: 24-48" H by 12-24" W
Bloom time: June - July
Flower color: Purple and Blue
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