Contents
Description
Penstemon Palmeri, also known as Palmer’s Penstemon, is a perennial flowering plant native to Arizona and New Mexico in the United States. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is a popular choice for gardens due to its beautiful foliage and showy flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
Appearance
Penstemon Palmeri can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Its leaves are thick and leathery, and they are oblong or lance-shaped with serrated edges. The flowers of Penstemon Palmeri are trumpet-shaped and can grow up to 2 inches long. They are a beautiful shade of pink or purple with white throats and bloom from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Water
Penstemon Palmeri prefers well-drained soil and requires moderate watering. It is important not to overwater this plant, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Penstemon Palmeri with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
Soil
This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight
Penstemon Palmeri requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
Hardiness Zones
This plant can survive in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Penstemon Palmeri is relatively disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It may also attract spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Penstemon Palmeri is native to Arizona and New Mexico, where it grows in rocky soils and on hillsides. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in harsh conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Penstemon Palmeri grow in containers?
A: Yes, Penstemon Palmeri can grow in containers as long as the container has adequate drainage and the plant is not overwatered.
Q: How often should I fertilize Penstemon Palmeri?
A: Fertilize Penstemon Palmeri with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
Q: What is the best time to prune Penstemon Palmeri?
A: Prune Penstemon Palmeri in the early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Can Penstemon Palmeri grow in shade?
A: Penstemon Palmeri requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
Related Plants
- Penstemon strictus
- Penstemon digitalis
- Penstemon grandiflorus
References
- “Penstemon Palmeri.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 18 August 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279164&isprofile=1&basic=Penstemon%20palmeri>.
- “Penstemon Palmeri.” Arizona State University School of Life Sciences. Accessed 18 August 2021. <https://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/schools/pdfs/Penstemon_palmeri.pdf>.
- “Penstemon Palmeri.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 18 August 2021. <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEPA3>.
