Mat penstemon
Penstemon caespitosus
Mat penstemon (Penstemon caespitosus) is a Colorado-native groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–4 in tall and 8–15 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Native mat-forming penstemon with intense blue-purple blooms. Needs sharp drainage.
Colorado nativelow water2–4 in tall and 8–15 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Penstemon caespitosus
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Claude Barr'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 2–4 in tall and 8–15 in wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Bloom color
- blue, purple
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Drainage is critical — wet feet kill it. Minimal water once established.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Mat penstemon good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Mat penstemon is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a groundcover suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Mat penstemon get?
- It matures to about 2–4 in tall and 8–15 in wide.
- How much water does Mat penstemon need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Mat penstemon native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
