Penstemon cardwellii

Common name(s): beardtongue

Description: evergreen groundcover; a species named for Dr. James R. Cardwell, a horticulturalist and the first ever dentist to practice in Portland, OR. Found in the Oregon Cascades and Coast Range and the southernmost Washington Cascades at moderate elevations. Mat-forming with dense shrubby growth and attractive foliage year round. Blue-violet flowers from late spring into summer.

Height: to 1 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought