Penstemon parryi A.Gray

Nomenclature and Native Range

Penstemon parryi, commonly called Parry's penstemon, Parry's beardtongue, or desert penstemon, is a wildflower native to the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. It is a perennial plant that blooms in March and April.

Flowering Timeline

In the wild, plants do not flower until their second year of growth. When cultivated, plants often bloom in their first year if seeds are planted in autumn.

Leaf Characteristics

The plant produces lanceolate bluish-green leaves arranged in a rosette at its base.

Flower Stalk Structure

Flower stalks emerge from this basal rosette, growing 2 to 5 feet tall, and are topped with numerous deep-throated flowers.

Flower Coloration

Flowers are typically pink, though horticultural selections have been bred for red color.

Cultivation Light Requirements

As a native lowland desert species, it grows best in full sun to part shade.

Drought Tolerance

It can survive on the average annual rainfall of the Sonoran Desert, but cannot tolerate prolonged drought.

Wildlife Interaction

This species attracts hummingbirds.

Landscaping Use

Its attraction to hummingbirds and bright display of pink to red flowers make it a popular choice for xeriscaping.

Etymology

Penstemon parryi was named for Charles C. Parry, who worked as a surgeon-naturalist on the mid-19th century Mexican Boundary Survey.