Whipple's Penstemon
Penstemon whippleanus
Last reviewed: August 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Whipple's Penstemon as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CO, ID, MT and 3 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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Whipple's penstemon is a compact native wildflower that produces tubular purple or blue flowers on upright stems during summer months. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Whipple'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.
- May go dormant in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds and provide an important nectar source. Native bees also visit the blooms regularly throughout the summer flowering period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Whipple's Penstemon need?
- Whipple's Penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Whipple's Penstemon bloom?
- Whipple's Penstemon blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Whipple's Penstemon native?
- Whipple's Penstemon (Penstemon whippleanus) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Whipple's Penstemon toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Whipple's Penstemon as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Whipple's Penstemon attract?
- Whipple's Penstemon draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Whipple's Penstemon HOA-friendly?
- Whipple'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 Whipple's Penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz