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Palmer's Penstemon Seeds

Penstemon palmeri

5.00 (2 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.

Growing: Water seedlings until they become established. Mature plants tolerate drought well because of a well-developed tap root; this plant also has excellent resistance to extreme heat, grows well in rocky or sandy soil, and can be used for erosion control. After blooming cut the plant back to several inches above the soil, unless seed is wanted. Do not overwater, since this plant is particularly susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too moist. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather the seeds as soon as the pods have begun to open; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Ballon Flower

Latin Name: Penstemon palmeri

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

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 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Pink

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant

Palmer's Penstemon Seeds 5.0
Review By Native habitat restoration project PNW

Excellent natural stratification sprouter

High germination rate via winter stratification. Although they seem to only come up if not planted on the surface like the package says. I think because the hard freezes can kill surface seeds. I do recommend these hardy yet beautiful plants. So you should try to plant some 1/8 inch deep and some surface. 2 - 4 inch 1st year growth. Because they develope an extreme taproot. And definitely give individual plants space, they need it. Thin if necessary. Nothing seems to attack them no grasshoppers, rabbits, or deer alike.

Palmer's Penstemon Seeds 5.0
Review By Syd

Excited to grow these

I received the seeds very quickly and they were packaged beautifully. I have them cold stratifying now and I am excited to grow them! I've ordered several seeds from here and each time has been amazing. All the seeds have been wonderful. Thank you for carrying such great varieties!

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~2,000 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $7.96 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~32,000 Seeds) $16.80 $15.95 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $48.00 Notify Me
1 Lb Bulk Bag (454g) $180.00 Notify Me
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $810.00 Notify Me
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $1,440.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

These vivacious rosy blossoms exude a delightful fragrance similar to honeysuckle. This southwest native flourishes in dry desert areas, so it is accustomed to thriving in heat and drought.
John Mitchell, an 18th century American botanist, recorded the first botanical description of this plant genus; Carl Linnaeus included it in his landmark publication Species Plantarum in 1753. According to legend, Native Americans once used this plant as a versatile medicinal remedy. Its unusual common name comes from a fuzzy "tongue" in each open bloom, which gives a slight resemblance to a mouth and a tongue. The genus name "Penstemon" comes from Greek words for "five threads," referring to the stamens of each blossom. The species name "palmeri" honors 19th century botanist Edward Palmer, who worked for the U. S. Department of Agriculture.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.

Growing: Water seedlings until they become established. Mature plants tolerate drought well because of a well-developed tap root; this plant also has excellent resistance to extreme heat, grows well in rocky or sandy soil, and can be used for erosion control. After blooming cut the plant back to several inches above the soil, unless seed is wanted. Do not overwater, since this plant is particularly susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too moist. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather the seeds as soon as the pods have begun to open; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Ballon Flower

Latin Name: Penstemon palmeri

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

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 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Pink

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant

Reviews

5.00
Global Rating: 5.00 from 2 reviews
5.0

Review By Native habitat restoration project PNW

Excellent natural stratification sprouter

High germination rate via winter stratification. Although they seem to only come up if not planted on the surface like the package says. I think because the hard freezes can kill surface seeds. I do recommend these hardy yet beautiful plants. So you should try to plant some 1/8 inch deep and some surface. 2 - 4 inch 1st year growth. Because they develope an extreme taproot. And definitely give individual plants space, they need it. Thin if necessary. Nothing seems to attack them no grasshoppers, rabbits, or deer alike.

5.0

Review By Syd

Excited to grow these

I received the seeds very quickly and they were packaged beautifully. I have them cold stratifying now and I am excited to grow them! I've ordered several seeds from here and each time has been amazing. All the seeds have been wonderful. Thank you for carrying such great varieties!