Smooth blue beardtongue (Penstemon nitidus)

[Lori S.]

Penstemon nitidus, a western beauty... it is happy and long-lived here in garden conditions (which probably makes sense, as it is locally native).

[McDonough]

I grew P. nitidus many years ago when I lived with my parents up until my college years.  Nothing says blue like P. nitidus, such an outstanding species.  I cannot attest to this plant's longevity in cultivation, as frankly my rock garden at my parents house went into abandon once I was away at college, but it left an indelible impression on my memory as one of the most outstanding Penstemon species ever.

[RickR]

Gosh, I was first exposed to rock garden plants in my college years.  And it was many years after that that I took a heavy interest in them.  No wonder you all know so much!

I think I have P. nitidus seeds again.  Hope they turn out to be what they're labeled this time.  A most intense flower color, even though it is not dark hue.  I've never seen a bad pic of the species, and Lori, you sure can grow 'em!

[Lori S.]

Well, thank you, Rick, but it's certainly not anything I do - they just like to grow here!

[Todd Boland]

Breaks my heart...I can't it in Newfoundland.

Here is a pic of a purple-flowered one I found in southern Alberta.  It certainly jumped out from all the blue ones around it.

[Hugh MacMillan]

P. nitidus is certainly one of the harbinger's of Spring along the Colorado Front Range.  Based on the replies above it appears to be a truly global must for the rock garden!  I have P. nitidus growing in a sand/gravel mix in the rock garden, as well as in a lean rock hard dry border, next to cacti of all sorts.

[Lori S.]

After about 7 years in the ground, my old plants started to decline...  so (for once!) I took appropriate action.  I scattered the copious seed they produced around the area - most of it ended up down along the sidewalk... but all the better for viewing, I suppose!  Now about 3 years later, the young plants should soon be blooming en masse!

[Weiser]

I love this Penstemon also. I only have one plant that I moved form North Dakota eight years ago,it is in great shape yet, but has not seeded around. My springs may be too dry to get good germination.