Penstemon serrulatus
CASCADE BEARDTONGUE, COAST PENSTEMON, SERRULATE PENSTEMON
syn. n/a
Family: Plantaginaceae
Pronounced: PEN-stoo-mon ser-roo-LAH-tus

Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Alaska to Oregon.
Plant Group:
Perennials
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: Not listed.
USDA zones: 3-9.
Heat zones: 9-1.
Mature size:
Height: 20 inches.
Width: 12 inches.
Flowering period:
Midsummer to fall.
Flowering attributes:
Tight clusters at the top of the stems hold deep blue, pinkish-purple, or pinkish-red, tubular, one-inch long flowers born on one-sided panicles, or false whorls.
Leaf attributes:
Semi-evergreen, ovate to lanceolate, glossy, sharp-toothed, pungent, dark green leaves.
Growth habit:
Tall, upright subshrub.
Light:
Partial shade to full sun.
Soil:
Moist soil, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Provide a complete organic fertilizer in spring.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in fall and place in cold frame for winter.
Take cuttings in August and place in a sand medium. Winter over in a frost free greenhouse or coldframe.
Pruning Methods:
N/A
Rainy Side Notes

Among the 52 or so penstemon varieties that flourish in the Pacific Northwest they are native to alpine regions or rocky outcroppings. Almost all penstemons need full sun and sharp drainage. However, Penstemon serrulatus is one of the few that can tolerate wet soil. Even though considered drought tolerant, the species thrives on regular irrigation and withstands perpetual winter damp soil.
Penstemon serrulatus is adaptable to many areas, from coastal to sub-alpine regions. You can find it in meadows, next to streams, vernal wet areas, riparian forests, and bottomland forests. While some sources consider it shade tolerant, it thrives with at least partial shade to full sun.
With a long summer flowering period, this midsummer to fall bloomer is an excellent choice for the border and containers. Be aware. The pungent leaves release a most unpleasant odor on warm, humid days. Plant them away from your deck and other seating areas unless you enjoy a fresh, skunky, dog-doo fragrance. Fortunately, we have a dry climate in summer, so humid days are few. Shhh, don't tell the rest of the world our climate secret.
Wildlife
If you want to contribute to local pollinators' health, add Penstemon serrulatus to your garden. The blossoms offer an excellent nectar source for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Debbie Teashon

Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton
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