Parry's Beardtongue (Penstemon)

Parry’s beardtongue (Penstemon parryi) is a perennial native to southern Arizona and Sonora. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center describes long spikes of tubular pink flowers on stems commonly 2–4 feet or more, with plants reaching about 5 feet. Its bright spring display rises above pale-green, paired, arrow-shaped leaves. [Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center plant profile](https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEPA24) ## Flowers and habitat The Wildflower Center records bloom in March and April; flowers are usually bright pink, sometimes light pink to white. The species grows in mountain canyons, desert washes and grassland slopes. Its profile lists sun and dry, well-drained soil, and notes special value to native bees. ## Garden placement Use this tall species in a sunny, dry native planting where its spring flower spikes have room to rise above nearby plants. It suits sites with sharply draining soil and can add early-season color before surrounding grasses fully green up. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone well drained and avoid prolonged saturation. The Wildflower Center recommends seed propagation and cold-moist stratification for best germination.