Blue mist penstemon, Front Range penstemon, or Green beardtongue, is a common Penstemon in the Front Range foothills in Colorado and Wyoming. The dainty flowers are an ornament to many rocky or sandy area within its range, and the plants are an absolutely stunning addition to the perennial garden! 

Penstemon virens has flowering stems are typically upright with very little curve. Most of the leaves are at the base of the plant and the form of the plant is a low, spreading mat that enlarges each year, with leaves that evergreen in most locations.

The flower is a tapered funnel, long and pale sky blue to light purple or violet with 5 petals and purple-blue to reddish-purple nectar guides from the center of each petal leading down into the flower.

Blue mist penstemons are recommended as garden plants by local governments, water providers, and extension services as they are prized for their low water usage, adaptation to local climate, handsome blooms, long lifespan, and ease of cultivation. They are drought tolerant once established.

In garden settings they are adapted to full sun to partial shade conditions in west locations in North America, and full sun in the east. They are quite adaptable to different garden soil conditions, but like all penstemons are healthier with good drainage. 

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Height: 16", 40cm

Location: Sun

Seeds per packet: 50

MtBotany, Penstemon virens on rockface, CC BY-SA 4.0
MtBotany, Penstemon virens close, CC BY-SA 4.0