High Country Gardens
All Star Penstemon Collection
Best native perennial collection for waterwise, pollinator-friendly garden landscapes.
Elevate your garden with the All Star Penstemon Collection, featuring 15 native American West Penstemons. This collection showcases a vibrant array of colors, including warm red, pale pink, magenta, and inky purple, offering abundant blooms annually. Ideal for waterwise, rock, or alpine gardens, these plants attract essential pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, complementing other perennials. These low-maintenance plants establish quickly, are generally rabbit resistant, and cover approximately 40 square feet, making them perfect for drought-tolerant landscapes.
$174.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+533%
Above average
Quantity
1535
/ plants ( of each of varieties)
Who it's for
- Water-conscious gardeners in arid climates
- Eco-friendly gardeners supporting local pollinators
- Landscapers seeking long-lasting seasonal color
Who should skip it
- Gardeners managing heavy, clay-based soil
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting permanent, long-lived perennials
- Gardeners living in humid or tropical regions
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Impact
A powerhouse for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives with minimal water once established in arid landscapes.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennials that establish quickly and resist common garden pests.
Visual Versatility
Diverse color palette provides vibrant, long-lasting blooms throughout the season.
Year-Round Interest
Evergreen foliage maintains garden structure even after the blooms fade.
Ecological Value
Native American West varieties support local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Key Specs
Quantity
15 plants (3 of each of 5 varieties)
Coverage Area
Approximately 40 square feet
USDA Hardiness Zones
5-9
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil Type
Average Soil, Sandy Soil
Water Needs
Low
Bloom Time
Mid spring to Summer
Planting Depth
Plant high, root ball top just above soil
Features
- Diverse colors and forms for stunning visual appeal.
- Attracts vital pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
- Evergreen foliage offers year-round garden interest.
- Native to the American West, supporting local ecosystems.
- Excellent choice for waterwise and drought-tolerant gardens.
- Generally resistant to rabbits, protecting your plants.
- Low water needs once plants are established.
- Naturalizes gently, creating a fuller garden over time.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Penstemon plants upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the collection's reliable performance, observing vigorous growth and successful establishment in various climates. This collection offers outstanding hardiness and abundant blooms, proving to be a highly valued investment for gardeners desiring dependable, low maintenance color. The plants thrive, often exceeding expectations for long term success and vibrant displays.
Know before you buy
Penstemons are highly sensitive to crown rot. When planting, ensure the top of the root ball sits slightly above the soil line to ensure proper drainage and prevent moisture from settling around the stem.
Penstemons prefer sandy, well-drained soil and struggle in heavy, wet clay. If you have clay soil, you should amend it with grit or expanded shale, or plant them in a raised bed or rock garden to ensure the drainage they require.
This collection is designed to cover approximately 40 square feet. You should space the plants according to their mature size to allow for adequate airflow, which helps keep the foliage healthy.
In zones 5 through 9, the foliage will generally remain green throughout the year. However, in colder regions, the leaves may look a bit tired by late winter; you can lightly trim away any damaged foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
While Penstemons are generally low-maintenance, removing spent flower stalks can keep the plants looking tidy. It is not strictly necessary for repeat blooms, but it can help the plant focus its energy on root development and foliage health.
While these are waterwise plants, they require regular moisture during their first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once they are fully established, typically by the second year, they will thrive with minimal supplemental watering.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$175