Botanical Name: Penstemon strictus
Family: Plantaginaceae
Native: Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 4–9
Plant Dimensions: 24"–36" tall
Variety Information: Brilliant, 1" blue-violet, tubular flowers
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: Early summer
Attributes: Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
When to Sow Outside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date or late fall.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Germinates best in cooler soils (near 55°F).
Days to Emerge: 14–35 days
Seed Depth: ⅛"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 18"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to one every 18"
Write a Review
Rocky Mountain Blue Penstemon Seeds Reviews
8 reviews
A great drought tolerant plant for Hummingbirds.
5 out of 5 stars
Jul 20, 2018





This RMP can survive with little to no water. It's easy to grow and is a perfect plant to attract hummingbirds.
Debra Bouricius from CO
Stunning
5 out of 5 stars
Jun 13, 2019





Mine are in their third year and each time they bloom I cannot quit looking and photographing them. The colors are breathtaking and they are one of the hardiest plants in my garden. Greatly attractive to small native pollinators.
Paula Mann from CO
Great Penstemon
5 out of 5 stars
Aug 15, 2019





Loved the Rocky Mountain Penstemon. Couldn't belie it when it bloomed this year. I was expecting this for the following year.
Judy Arnold from CO
Great Germination!
5 out of 5 stars
Jun 3, 2020





I didn't stratify all of these seeds as suggested on the packed, I planted some of them directly in some pots under lights in December, and they sprouted pretty quickly and grew into small plants that I transplanted this spring. They aren't very big yet, but they are growing bushier and seem to like the garden spots I put them in at my community garden and in our backyard. I also gave a couple of the plants to my sister and father for their low-water gardens. Can't wait to see them bloom (I assume next year, but I'm hoping for this first year, a gardener's gotta dream, right?!)
P.S. I did try to stratify some of the seeds, I put them into the refrigerator with a wet paper towel in a plastic container. It stayed damp, but after about a month and a half or so I checked them and it looked like they had sprouted inside the paper towel but had grown and perished (still damp, but probably didn't have air to breath or room to grow!) So, I'm not sure if my refrigerator was not the right temperature as they sprouted quickly, or if I should have been checking them weekly to see if they sprouted? Regardless, the seeds I direct sowed without stratifying germinated perfectly, so I probably will just continue to plant them direct. And, I have plenty of seeds left, thanks for the generous portion!
Idelle from CO
Owner Response: Hi Idelle,
Thanks for the review! We are glad you are enjoying growing these tough, beautiful flowers. We suggest using a moistened planting medium when stratifying and it does sound like your refrigerator could be on the warmer side, as seeds should not sprout n the refrigerator just be stratified to break dormancy and then germinate once you take them out. I hope that helps! happy gardening!
Maybe not enough water?
1 out of 5 stars
Aug 28, 2020





Planted along the south-facing brick wall of our house. Nothing came up. Perhaps too hot from brick?
Jennifer Bolger from CO
Owner Response: Hi Jennifer,
Seeds don't have ways to cope with drought like full-grown plants can. They need to stay consistently moist to germinate. The ideal temperature for germination of this species is near 55 degrees F. You can little tips like out-of-the-ordinary temperatures in the packet sowing instructions. I hope that helps.
Disappointed
1 out of 5 stars
Jul 12, 2021





There were several seed packets in my order and I was disappointed in all of them. I followed the directions on the packet and had a very poor outcome. I don't think I'll purchase seeds here again. Out of all the ones I purchased I have several johnny jump ups; 1 poppy; a few columbine (have yet to bloom) and that's about it.
Lorna from MN
Owner Response: Hi Lorna,
From the reviews you wrote today it seems like you had several issues. Our goal is for you to have a great garden which is why quality and customer service are so important to us. Our seeds are tested frequently by a third-party laboratory to ensure the germination rate exceeds federal and our own standards. Penstemon does need stratification to be successful and we do have an article on that if it is helpful. At any rate, we are here for you, happy to help, and we do guarantee our seeds.
Plant in fall for next year.
5 out of 5 stars
Aug 4, 2021





I tried two methods. I planted seeds along a fence line last fall and had a nice turnout. The soil location was not too rocky. I hope to use the rest of the seed packet this year for next season in another section where the soil is more rocky. The flowers that grew were tall. I also tried the winter sow method in my garage. I did not have great success with the winter sow; probably had it too wet.
Barbara from WY
Rocky Mountain Penstamen
5 out of 5 stars
May 2, 2022





I planted these last fall in a container outside. There are countless seedlings sprouted. I'll transplant into an area when they have their second set of leaves. I know they will thrive. I have Husker Red so I am very anxious to compare it to this blue variety.
Judy from ME
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