How much sun does Broadleaf penstemon need?

Broadleaf penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Broadleaf penstemon bloom?

Broadleaf penstemon blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Broadleaf penstemon native?

Broadleaf penstemon (Penstemon platyphyllus) is native to UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Broadleaf penstemon attract?

Broadleaf penstemon draws bees.

Is Broadleaf penstemon HOA-friendly?

Broadleaf penstemon is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Broadleaf penstemon

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon platyphyllus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Broadleaf penstemon (Penstemon platyphyllus) 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"–30" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains

A bushy, somewhat woody-based beardtongue with broad, lance-shaped leaves and lavender to blue-purple tubular flowers. Grows on dry, rocky foothill slopes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Broadleaf penstemon is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: rock gardens, low water beds, border edges.

Wildlife value

Early summer flowers feed native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Broadleaf penstemon need?: Broadleaf penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Broadleaf penstemon bloom?: Broadleaf penstemon blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Broadleaf penstemon native?: Broadleaf penstemon (Penstemon platyphyllus) is native to UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Broadleaf penstemon attract?: Broadleaf penstemon draws bees.
Is Broadleaf penstemon HOA-friendly?: Broadleaf 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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Broadleaf penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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