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Oenothera macrocarpa
  • Common name: Missouri Evening Primrose
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun / Part shade
  • Height x Width: 10 in. x 2-3'
  • Native to: West-central US

Missouri Evening Primrose grows into mounds of glossy leaves followed by clear yellow blossoms over much of the summer. Plants sprawl widely then die back to the ground in winter. Firewise.

 

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Oenothera macrocarpa ssp. fremontii
  • Common name: Fremont's Evening Primrose
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 12 in. x 24 in.
  • Native to: Central US

Fremont’s Evening Primrose produces a dazzling display of lemon-yellow flowers in mid-summer. Blooms are tucked in and around the narrow gray- green foliage. Deeply tap-rooted and long-lived. Needs good drainage. Firewise.

 

Oenothera pallida
  • Common name: Pale Evening Primrose
  • Zone: 3-4
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 12" x 12"
  • Native to: Idaho

This Boise Foothills native produces scads of lovely white flowers and, given a little extra water, can bloom all summer. The plants spread by root and could be invasive in the wrong situation. Needs no water once established. Firewise.

Oenothera speciosa
  • Common name: Showy Evening Primrose
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 1 ft. and spreading
  • Native to: Southwest US

Showy Evening Primrose is a heat-loving beauty, thriving in sunny, dry areas. It can spread rapidly on shallow roots  and can overrun smaller, less vigorous plants. Preferring unimproved, well-drained soils, this plant requires little extra water once established. Firewise. More information here.

 

Origanum libanoticum
  • Common name: Hopflower Oregano
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 4 in. and spreading
  • Native to: Mediterreanean

Hopflower Oregano is an outstanding mounding or draping plant, producing hundreds of small lantern-like flowers on wiry stems. Terrific for edging, cascading over walls or filling in between larger plants.

 

Penstemon barbatus
  • Common name: Beardlip Penstemon
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 3 ft. x 2 ft.
  • Native to: Southwest US

Loose spikes of brilliant scarlet tubular flowers with distinctive ‘bearded’ lip. Tough and long-lived. Attracts hummingbirds. More information here.

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Penstemon barrettiae
  • Common name: Barrett's Penstemon
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun or Part Shade
  • Height x Width: 12" x 18"
  • Native to: Eastern Oregon

Waxy blue green leaves and large lavender tubular flowers. Semi-woody structure. Prefers part shade. Firewise.

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Penstemon cardinalis
  • Common name: Cardinal Penstemon
  • Zone:
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 2' x 2'
  • Native to: SW US

Tall flower spikes loaded with ruby red flowers.  Eye-catcher. Native to hot, dry sites with well-drained soil. Great for hummingbirds, other pollinators. Firewise. More information here.

Penstemon davidsonii v.davidsonii
  • Common name: Davidson’s Penstemon
  • Zone: 3?
  • Exposure: Sun / Part shade
  • Height x Width: 3 in. x 12 in.
  • Native to: Western US

Davidson’s Penstemon is a choice landscape plant with a low, sprawling woody structure that allows it to function like a ground cover. If given some sun protection in winter it will be completely evergreen. Lavender tubular flowers show up in late spring. Likes well-drained soils. Firewise.

 

Penstemon digitalis
  • Common name: Foxglove Penstemon
  • Zone: 3
  • Exposure: Sun/Part shade
  • Height x Width: 3’ x 2
  • Native to: Central/Eastern US

A substantial penstemon with spikes of white to pale pink flowers in June. Unlike most penstemons, it prefers slightly moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Firewise.

Penstemon eatonii
  • Common name: Firecracker Penstemon
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 40 in. x 24 in.
  • Native to: Southwest US

Firecracker Penstemon bears tubular, bright scarlet flowers over dark green basal leaves. Prefers poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil and full sun. Great for dry desert-scapes. Pollinators: hummingbirds and bees. Firewise.

 

Penstemon fruticosus
  • Common name: Shrubby Penstemon
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun / Part shade
  • Height x Width: 12-16 in. x 8-12 in.
  • Native to: Idaho

Shrubby Penstemon is an unusual woody, upright, evergreen penstemon with abundant lavender tubular flowers in early summer. Foliage turns soft yellow in autumn with purple-green flower spikelets. Leaves may burn in winter–shade helps. Firewise.

Penstemon fruticosus, dwarf form
  • Common name: Dwarf Shrubby Penstmon
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun / Part shade
  • Height x Width: 6-8 in. x 8-10 in.
  • Native to: (Cultivar of native plant)

Dwarf Shrubby Penstemon is a compact version of the native Shrubby Penstemon and quite similar to Davidson’s Penstemon. Gorgeous lavender flowers in late spring. Evergreen mounds are beautiful in winter. Charming! Firewise.

Penstemon grandiflorus
  • Common name: Large Flower Penstemon
  • Zone: 3
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 2-3' x 1'
  • Native to: Midwest

One of the showiest of all North American native Penstemons, Penstemon grandiflorus can reach heights of three feet with stunning pink to purple flowers. The plant’s beautiful vertical structure and succulent gray-green foliage, make it a very unique Penstemon. Firewise.  More information here.

Penstemon hallii
  • Common name: Hall's Penstemon
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun/Part shade
  • Height x Width: 10" x 10"
  • Native to: CO

Clumps of bright purple flowers arise from dense tufts of linear leaves. Occurs in the wild at higher elevations in Colorado, but given some irrigation it tolerates cultivation in lower, warmer climates

Penstemon pinifolius
  • Common name: Pineleaf Penstemon
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun / Part shade
  • Height x Width: 15 in. x 18 in.
  • Native to: Southwest US

Pineleaf Penstemon has loads of red-orange tubular blooms over expanding clumps of attractive narrow leaves. Stems become woody with age. Evergreen foliage. Firewise. More information here.

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Penstemon platyphyllus
  • Common name: Broadleaf Penstemon
  • Zone: 4-5 (?)
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 12-18 in. x 12-18 in.
  • Native to: Nevada

Showy spikes of purple-blue flowers in mid-spring. Flowers are huge and attractive to bees. Firewise.

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Penstemon procerus
  • Common name: Littleflower Penstemon
  • Zone: 3
  • Exposure: Sun or Part Shade
  • Height x Width: 12' x 12'
  • Native to: Idaho

This early blooming penstemon sends up multiple stalks, each with numerous whorls of small tubular flowers. Widespread native. Firewise.

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Penstemon pseudospectabilis
  • Common name: Desert Penstemon
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun/part shade
  • Height x Width: 3-4 ft. x 3 ft.
  • Native to: Southwest US

Desert Penstemon can produce loads of shocking magenta flowers in summer. Native to southern Nevada and higher elevation sites in Arizona and New Mexico. Does well in heat and can tolerate partial shade.

Penstemon richardsonii
  • Common name: Richardson's Penstemon
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 30 in. x 30 in.
  • Native to: Eastern Oregon and Washington

Richardson’s is a wonderful and easy Penstemon for filling in spaces in the garden or tumbling down banks on trailing stems. Unlike most penstemons, this one starts blooming late, producing a charming profusion of rosy purple flowers that lasts from early summer nearly until frost. It re-seeds readily and multiplies in the garden. Firewise.

Penstemon strictus
  • Common name: Rocky Mountain Penstemon
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun / part shade
  • Height x Width: 24 in. x 24 in.
  • Native to: Mountain West

Rocky Mountain Penstemon has violet-blue flower spikes over leathery foliage. Attracts hummingbirds. Long-lived, reliable bloomer. Forms low evergreen clumps, easy and reliable; deadhead for re-bloom. Pollinators: bees. Firewise.

Penstemon tubaeflorus
  • Common name: White Wand Penstemon
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 2' x 2'
  • Native to: Central, Eastern US

Pure white flowers on tall stems in early summer. This  clump-forming penstemon grows wild on dryish soils in prairies and open woods.  Attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.

Penstemon venustus
  • Common name: Lovely Penstemon
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 3 ft. x 3 ft.
  • Native to: Idaho

Lovely Penstemon is a vigorous evergreen native penstemon with large, gorgeous tubular lavender flowers in late spring. Cut back seed heads to encourage re-bloom. Pollinators: bees. Firewise.

Penstemon virens
  • Common name: Blue Mist Penstemon, Front Range Penstemon
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun / part shade
  • Height x Width: 8 in. x 8 in.
  • Native to: Mountain West

Blue Mist Penstemon or Front Range Penstemon is a dwarf penstemon,  native to the plains and foothills of the Eastern Rockies, often growing in large colonies. In late spring, dainty spikes of lavender-blue flowers rise over evergreen rosettes Likes dry, well- drained soil and is well adapted to garden conditions. Firewise.

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Pterocephalus depressus
  • Common name: Carpeting Pincushion Flower
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 2" and spreading
  • Native to: Morrocco

Charming, low-growing rock garden plant or small-scale groundcover. Finely cut evergreen foliage creeps across the ground, sprouting pincushion-like mauve flowers in late spring. Attractive seedhead tufts follow.

Ptilotrichum spinosum
  • Common name: Spiny Madwort
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 1' x 1-4'
  • Native to: Mediterranean

Intricately branched wiry shrublet forming somewhat prickly mound-like cushions. Completely covered with soft pink flowers in late spring.

Ratibida columnifera
  • Common name: Prairie Coneflower. Mexican Hat
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 15” x 18”
  • Native to: Widespread in U. S.

This cheerful wildflower has two forms, one yellow and one red. They both will  bloom over a long period in hot, dry summers, attracting bees and butterflies. Great in meadows and other casual landscapes. Will seed around.

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Salvia azurea/pitcheri
  • Common name: Azure Blue Sage
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun / part shade
  • Height x Width: 3-4 ft. x 3 ft.
  • Native to: West-central US

Azure Blue Sage is a tall, late-blooming Salvia. Brilliant blue tubular flowers on slender, arching stems provide dramatic late- season color in the garden. Disappears in winter and comes booming back from the roots in spring. Great late-season food source for bumble bees, honey bees, butterflies and hummingbirds! Tolerates clay. Firewise. More information here.

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Salvia darcyi
  • Common name: Darcy Sage
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun/part shade
  • Height x Width: 3' x 3'
  • Native to: Mexico

A stunningly beautiful Salvia from high in the mountains of N. Mexico. Attracts hummingbirds, bees. Firewise.

Salvia nemorosa Blue Queen
  • Common name: Blue Queen Salvia
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 2-3' x 2-3'
  • Native to: Eurasia

Blue Queen Salvia has spikes of violet-blue flowers in summer; tolerates intense heat and drought. Cut back after bloom for quick re-bloom. Magnet for honeybees and butterflies! Tolerates clay. Firewise.

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Salvia officinalis-Dwarf
  • Common name: Dwarf Culinary Sage
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun or part shade
  • Height x Width: 1-2' x 4-6'
  • Native to: Mediterranean

Dwarf Culinary Sage grows into a shrub covered with a dense mound of edible leaves. Covered with showy lavender-blue flowers in early summer, it becomes a magnet for honeybees. Unlike ordinary culinary sage, this dwarf form is completely evergreen, creating a beautiful gray-green mound in the winter garden. Tolerates clay and shade. Firewise.

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Salvia pachyphylla
  • Common name: Giant Flowered Purple Sage
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 3 ft. x 3 ft.
  • Native to: Western US

Giant Flowered Purple Sage is a tough, heat-tolerant summer-bloomer with spectacular clumps of deep purple flowers.Attractive gray-green foliage remains in winter. Needs well-drained soil. Attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Tolerates clay. More information here.

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Saponaria ocymoides
  • Common name: Rock Soapwort
  • Zone: 3
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 8" x 12-18"
  • Native to: Europe

Rock Soapwort is a vigorous, mounding plant, covered with small pink flowers in the spring. Beautiful for edging a sunny border or spilling over rock walls or the edges of large planters. To maintain a compact habit, prune plants back hard immediately after blooming. Firewise.

Saponaria x lempbergii
  • Common name: Giant Soapwort
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 5" and sprawling
  • Native to: Mediterranean

Late blooming, vigorous groundcover with large light purple flowers. Large-scale groundcover. Firewise.

Scutellaria resinosa
  • Common name: Prairie Skullcap
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 8 in. x 12 in.
  • Native to: West Central US

Prairie Skullcap has neat mounds with tight, upright stems. Stunning deep lavender-blue flowers dotted with white, May through July.

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Sedum sp.
  • Common name: Green Mound Sedum
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun or Part Shade
  • Height x Width: 8" x 8"
  • Native to: Mediterranean

This compact mounding sedum is very useful in the landscape for small border areas and evergreen structure. Grown for foliage rather than flowers. Firewise.

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Sedum sp.
  • Common name: Sedum "Large Pink"
  • Zone: 5
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 18" x 18"
  • Native to: Mediterranean

This large, mounding sedum blooms pink in the fall. Earlier in the summer, its handsome mound of succulent leaves is a great addition to any xeriscape. Firewise.

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Sidalcea neomexicana
  • Common name: New Mexico Checkermallow
  • Zone: 4
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Height x Width: 2’ x 1’
  • Native to: Western US, including Idaho

This native Checkermallow is a charming wildflower sporting dozens of small hollyhock-like blooms. Found in the wild in moist meadows, but it does well in moderately irrigated gardens. Supports native pollinators.

Sisyrinchium montanum
  • Common name: Blue-eyed Grass
  • Zone: 3
  • Exposure: Sun/Part shade
  • Height x Width: 6" x 10"
  • Native to: Idaho

This cheerful little native wildflower produces dainty blue/purple flowers on grassy foliage. It prefers rich, moist soil in spring but tolerates summer dryness. Will gradually spread, creating a little ‘meadow’.

Solidago canadensis
  • Common name: Canada Goldenrod
  • Zone: 3
  • Exposure: Sun/part shade
  • Height x Width: 2' x 2'
  • Native to: Idaho

This widespread native is an excellent pollinator plant, as well as being extremely drought tolerant once established. Its only drawback is that it spreads by root and can be quite aggressive in a well-watered garden.