Parry's penstemon
Penstemon parryi
Last reviewed: August 2026
Parry's penstemon (Penstemon parryi) is a perennial forb native to AZ, NM. It blooms in February, March, April, and May. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Parry's penstemon (Penstemon parryi) 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
24"–36" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, NM
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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An evergreen perennial forb with a basal rosette of blue-green leaves and tall, slender spikes of bright pink, tubular flowers appearing in late winter to spring. Extremely drought tolerant, it thrives in lean, rocky, fast-draining soil and full sun as a vivid seasonal accent.
Growing Parry's penstemon
Grow Parry's penstemon in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Parry's penstemon is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Early, abundant blooms provide an important nectar source for hummingbirds and bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Parry's penstemon need?
- Parry's penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Parry's penstemon bloom?
- Parry's penstemon blooms in February, March, April, and May.
- Where is Parry's penstemon native?
- Parry's penstemon (Penstemon parryi) is native to AZ, NM, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Parry's penstemon attract?
- Parry's penstemon draws hummingbirds and bees.
- Is Parry's penstemon HOA-friendly?
- Parry's penstemon is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Parry's penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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