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Bluestem Penstemon Open Pollinated Seeds (Penstemon cyanocaulis) Compact native with blue-purple flowers; thrives in dry, rocky conditions and supports native bees

$2.99
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Minimum: 50+ Seeds

Bluestem Penstemon Open Pollinated Seeds (Penstemon cyanocaulis)
Tough, compact, and bursting with blue-violet charm, a resilient native built for dry, rocky soils and buzzing with pollinator life.

Bluestem Penstemon (Penstemon cyanocaulis) is a low-growing, drought-hardy wildflower native to the arid West. Named for its bluish stems and vivid blue-purple flowers, this open-pollinated species thrives in gritty, well-drained soils where other plants struggle. Its springtime blooms are a beacon for native bees, bumblebees, and solitary pollinators, making it a compact powerhouse for any native garden, xeriscape, or rocky slope.

Whether you’re creating a pollinator strip, seeding a wildscape, or naturalizing a dryland area, Bluestem Penstemon is a beautiful, no-fuss ally for Western-inspired gardens.

🌱 How to Grow Bluestem Penstemon:

  • Sunlight: Full sun

  • Soil: Sandy, gravelly, or rocky; well-drained

  • Watering: Very low water needs once established

  • Height: 10–16 inches

  • Spacing: 10–12 inches apart

  • Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8

  • Germination Tips: Cold stratify for 30–60 days or sow outdoors in fall for natural chilling.

🌼 Why Gardeners Love Bluestem Penstemon:

  • Vivid blue to violet tubular flowers from April to June

  • Naturally compact, clumping growth habit

  • Excellent for rock gardens, dry meadows, and erosion control

  • Supports native bees and springtime pollinators

  • Deer resistant and heat tolerant

  • Native to Colorado Plateau and southwestern U.S. high desert regions

🌿 Best Uses:

  • Xeriscapes and low-water perennial beds

  • Pollinator gardens and native bee habitats

  • Rocky slopes, dry meadows, and erosion-prone areas

  • Roadside restoration and native wildflower seed mixes

  • Naturalistic and climate-resilient landscaping

Wild Beauty for the Dry Garden
Penstemon cyanocaulis is a small but mighty native plant that delivers reliable spring color, supports vital pollinators, and thrives where others fail. Perfect for water-wise landscapes and pollinator corridors, this bluish-stemmed beauty proves that tough conditions can still grow stunning results.

🛒 Sow Bluestem Penstemon seeds today, and give your dryland garden the boost it’s been waiting for.