Penstemon Hidalgensis

Penstemon hidalgensis is an uncommon Mexican species with upright stems, slightly sticky foliage and late-summer flowers in rich purple. The tubular blooms have paler interiors and delicate markings that guide pollinating insects into the throat. Native to open pine and oak forests in northern and south-western Mexico, it combines a natural species habit with the long season expected of border penstemons. It performs in sun or light shade and brings valuable colour into August and September, especially in a warm, well-drained border protected from severe winter wet.