Compact - Pineleaf Beardtongue (Penstemon)

HALF PINT® pineleaf penstemon is Plant Select’s named selection of Penstemon pinifolius ‘Compactum’. It makes a tidy mound of needle-like foliage with reddish-orange trumpet flowers in June through August; the program lists it at 8–10 inches tall and 12 inches wide. [Plant Select](https://plantselect.org/plant/penstemon-pinifolius-compactum/) ## Garden use Use this low-growing perennial in a sunny rock garden, gravel border or the front of a dry planting, where the mound and bright flowers remain visible. Plant Select lists sun to part sun, low-to-xeric water needs, and USDA hardiness zones 4–9. It also identifies Arizona and New Mexico as native origins and notes that the flowers support pollinators. ## Growing conditions Give the crown sharply drained soil; gravel mulch helps keep the planting conditions open and dry. Allow room for the plant to form its compact mound, and water more closely during establishment before reducing irrigation to suit local rainfall. ## Maintenance Deadhead in late fall if a tidier display is wanted, while leaving the evergreen foliage in place. Check drainage before winter and remove damaged stems in spring.