We love Penstemon grandiflorus! Of course, what’s not to like about any plant with the specific epithet of grandiflorus (grand flowers). Penstemon grandiflorus is a North American native that ranges from Minnesota, all the way south to the Texas hill country. In late April (NC), the small, glaucous rosette gives rise to 2′ tall spikes of large bell-shaped flowers…truly stunning. In wet, humid climates like ours, Penstemon grandiflorus should be reserved for a well drained rock or crevice style garden with gravely soil. Penstemon grandiflorus is a great nectar source for both hummingbirds and native bumblebees, and if that’s not enough, Native Americans chew on the roots for toothache relief. Flower color ranges from pink to white, but our plants are seed grown from a white-flowered form.
