Side-bells Penstemon
Penstemon secundiflorus
Side-bells Penstemon (Penstemon secundiflorus) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 20 in tall and 12 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water20 in tall and 12 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Penstemon secundiflorus
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 20 in tall and 12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- pink, purple
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Side-bells Penstemon good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Side-bells Penstemon is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Side-bells Penstemon get?
- It matures to about 20 in tall and 12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Side-bells Penstemon?
- Space Side-bells Penstemon about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Side-bells Penstemon hardy on the Front Range?
- Side-bells Penstemon is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Side-bells Penstemon need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Side-bells Penstemon native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Side-bells Penstemon deer-resistant?
- Side-bells Penstemon is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Side-bells Penstemon a good firewise plant near the house?
- Side-bells Penstemon is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Side-bells Penstemon bloom?
- Side-bells Penstemon blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
