Overview
Penstemon ambiguus is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon ambiguus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Penstemon ambiguus, commonly known as the sand penstemon, pink plains penstemon, or gilia penstemon is a species of Penstemon that grows in the shortgrass prairies and deserts of the western United States and northern Mexico. This bush-like penstemon grows in sandy, loose, and creosote soils and is particularly known for the spectacular flowering show it produces, sometime seasons turning whole hillsides bright pink–white. It is native to North America, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Mexico Northeast and other regions. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Penstemon ambiguus
About the genus
Penstemon, the beardtongues, is a large genus of roughly 280 species of flowering plants native to North America from northern Canada to Central America. It is the largest genus of flowering plants endemic to North America. As well as being the scientific name, penstemon is also widely used as a common name for all Penstemon species alongside beardtongues.
Wikipedia contributors, "Penstemon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Penstemon
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Penstemon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Chalk, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Penstemon ambiguus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Penstemon ambiguus
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Glasshouse red spider mite, Leaf and bud eelworms
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Rust, Leaf spots, Southern blight
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Penstemon ambiguus?
Penstemon ambiguus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Penstemon ambiguus need?
Penstemon ambiguus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, chalk and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Penstemon ambiguus hardy in the UK?
Penstemon ambiguus has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Penstemon ambiguus?
Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring.
More in the Penstemon genus
- Penstemon 'Raven'Beardtongues
- Penstemon campanulatusbellflower beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Andenken an Hahn'Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'Beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Garnet'Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink'Beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Pink Endurance'Beardtongue
- Penstemon cyananthusBlue Penstemon
