Calico Penstemon
Penstemon calycosus
Calico penstemon is a mid-Atlantic and Appalachian native that bridges the gap between the spring-blooming penstemons and the summer garden. Its lavender-purple tubular flowers are large and showy on upright stems, opening in late spring and continuing through early summer. The blooms have the typical two-lipped penstemon shape that hummingbirds and bumblebees are built for. and they use them. The foliage has a glossy sheen that distinguishes it from the fuzzy-leafed species, and the stems hold cleanly upright without staking. In woodland edge or partly shaded settings, calico penstemon performs better than most of its relatives, adapting to the dappled light along forest margins. A reliable, underused native for mixed borders.
We grow a range of sizes and prices. Add the plant to your list, then pick your size when you visit.
Final price confirmed at pickup, depends on size and season.
- Thu, Jul 238 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Jul 248 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Jul 258 AM – 2 PM
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown calico penstemon propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 1.5'–3'
- Bloom
- Blooms May through June; glossy semi-evergreen foliage holds through mild winters
- USDA zones
- 5-8
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside calico penstemon.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle 9–12 species that work together. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Butterfly Package
Host and nectar plants chosen to feed monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries spring through fall.
Hummingbird Package
Tubular-flowered natives that pull ruby-throats through your yard April through October.
S.O.S. Package
Save Our Songbirds, berry- and seed-bearing natives that feed nesting and migrating birds.