Penstemon rattanii - Rattan's Penstemon

Description

A perennial penstemon, endemic to the Santa Cruz Mountains. It grows from 1 foot to 4 feet tall with large clasping leaves. The showy flowers are pale lavender to red or violet purple, in bloom April to July. This penstemon is new to our collection so we have yet to test its cultural requirements. It grows in somewhat sandy soil in chaparral and yellow pine forests, so probably prefers well-drained soil in full sun to part shade with occasional water.