Penstemon Pink Palmers Palmeri Flower Seeds
Palmer's Penstemon (Penstemon palmerii) is a native perennial plant known for its striking pale pink to purple flowers. It is a popular choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bumblebees.
These lively pink flowers give off a lovely scent reminiscent of honeysuckle. This native plant from the southwest thrives in arid desert regions, making it well-suited for hot and dry conditions.
John Mitchell, an American botanist from the 18th century, was the first to document this plant genus; Carl Linnaeus later included it in his famous work Species Plantarum in 1753. Legend has it that Native Americans once utilized this plant as a multi-purpose medicinal solution. Its quirky common name is derived from a fuzzy "tongue" found in each open flower, which somewhat resembles a mouth and tongue.
The genus name "Penstemon" is derived from Greek words meaning "five threads," which refers to the stamens of each flower. The species name "palmeri" pays tribute to 19th-century botanist Edward Palmer, who was associated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Common Names: Balloon Flower
Latin Name: Penstemon palmeri
Species Origin: Native Wildflower from the US
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert
Seeds per Ounce: 32,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify for 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 36 Inches
Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Late Spring Blooms
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Great for Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
Sowing: In late fall, directly sow the seeds by pressing them into the soil surface, as Penstemon Palmeri seeds require light for germination. If you're planting in spring, combine the Palmer's Penstemon seeds with some moist sand and keep them in the fridge for 30-60 days before planting. Make sure to keep the soil lightly moist until they germinate. You can also start these seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the spring planting.
Growing: Water the seedlings until they’re well established. Once mature, these plants can handle drought thanks to their strong tap root. They also resist extreme heat, thrive in rocky or sandy soils, and are great for controlling erosion. After they bloom, trim the plant back to a few inches above the soil unless you want seeds. Be careful not to overwater, as this plant is prone to root rot if the soil stays too wet. If you don’t need seeds, cut the plant back after blooming. This plant tends to self-sow and is very appealing to bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Harvesting: When cutting flowers, select stems with flowers that have just opened. Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water and place the stems in water right away.
Seed Saving: Once the flowers fade, small pods will develop that will eventually open at the top to show the ripe Penstemon Palmeri seeds. Collect the seeds as soon as the pods start to open; keep an eye on them to avoid losing any, as the wind can easily blow them away. Store the Palmer's Penstemon seeds in a cool, dry location.
