How much sun does Waxleaf Penstemon need?

Waxleaf Penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Waxleaf Penstemon bloom?

Waxleaf Penstemon blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Waxleaf Penstemon native?

Waxleaf Penstemon (Penstemon nitidus) is native to ID, MT, ND, SD and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Waxleaf Penstemon attract?

Waxleaf Penstemon draws bees and hummingbirds.

Is Waxleaf Penstemon HOA-friendly?

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

Waxleaf Penstemon

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon nitidus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Waxleaf Penstemon (Penstemon nitidus) 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

6"–18" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

ID, MT, ND, SD and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

Waxleaf penstemon is a compact native wildflower with glossy, waxy leaves that stay green year-round. It produces clusters of tubular blue to purple flowers from May through July on short, sturdy stems.

In an HOA neighborhood

Waxleaf 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

The tubular flowers are excellent for native bees and attract hummingbirds during summer blooms. The compact size makes it valuable for smaller pollinators that prefer low-growing flower sources.

Common questions

How much sun does Waxleaf Penstemon need?: Waxleaf Penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Waxleaf Penstemon bloom?: Waxleaf Penstemon blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Waxleaf Penstemon native?: Waxleaf Penstemon (Penstemon nitidus) is native to ID, MT, ND, SD and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Waxleaf Penstemon attract?: Waxleaf Penstemon draws bees and hummingbirds.
Is Waxleaf Penstemon HOA-friendly?: Waxleaf 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 Waxleaf Penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz