New Mexico penstemon
Penstemon neomexicanus
Last reviewed: October 2026
New Mexico penstemon (Penstemon neomexicanus) is a perennial forb native to NM. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.
Toxicity unknown
New Mexico penstemon (Penstemon neomexicanus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
NM
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Before you buy
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A clump-forming perennial with narrow leaves and upright spikes of tubular pink to purple flowers in summer, adapted to dry montane habitats.
Growing New Mexico penstemon
Grow New Mexico penstemon in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
A nectar source for native bees and hummingbirds in mountain meadows and open forest.
Common questions
- How much sun does New Mexico penstemon need?
- New Mexico penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does New Mexico penstemon bloom?
- New Mexico penstemon blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is New Mexico penstemon native?
- New Mexico penstemon (Penstemon neomexicanus) is native to NM, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does New Mexico penstemon attract?
- New Mexico penstemon draws bees and hummingbirds.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow New Mexico penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.