(Penstemon nitidus) Genus:  Penstemon This penstemon produces azure flowers—the color of a New Mexico summer sky. Blooms emerge in late April and may get covered with a late snow, but that doesn’t seem to bother them. Also boasting beautiful gray-blue foliage, this plant grows 6 to 10 inches high. Noteworthy Characteristics:  A native of the northwestern U.S., this is the earliest penstemon to bloom. Care:  Grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Propagation:  Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer. Divide in spring. Problems:  Powdery mildew, rust, leaf spots, and Southern blight. Slugs and snails may damage young plants.

Overview

Height 6 in. to 12 in. Spread 6 in. to 12 in. Light Full Sun Only Maintenance Low Characteristics Native, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Blue Uses Beds and Borders Style Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials