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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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.

Whipple's Penstemon

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon whippleanus

Last reviewed: June 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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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.

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