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The Bush Penstemon (Fruticosus) is generally described as a perennial subshrub. This is native to the U.S. (United States) has its most active growth period in the spring and summer . The Bush Penstemon (Fruticosus) has green foliage and inconspicuous blue flowers, with an abuncance of conspicuous brown fruits or seeds. The greatest bloom is usually observed in the mid spring, with fruit and seed production starting in the spring and continuing until summer. Leaves are not retained year to year. The Bush Penstemon (Fruticosus) has a long life span relative to most other plant species and a moderate growth rate. At maturity, the typical Bush Penstemon (Fruticosus) will reach up to 2 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 2 feet.
The Bush Penstemon (Fruticosus) is usually not commercially available except under contract. It can be propagated by bare root, container, seed. It has a slow ability to spread through seed production and the seedlings have medium vigor. Note that cold stratification is not required for seed germination and the plant cannot survive exposure to temperatures below -13°F. has medium tolerance to drought and restricted water conditions.
| Category | |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| General Type | Subshrub |
| Growth Period | Spring, Summer |
| Growth Duration | Perennial |
| Lifespan | Long |
| Plant Nativity | Native to U.S. |
| Commercial Availability | Contracting Only |
| Bloom Period | Mid Spring |
|---|---|
| Displays Fall Colors | No |
| Shape/Growth Form | Multiple Stem |
| Drought Tolerance | Medium |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Height When Mature | 2 |
| Vegetative Spread | None |
| Flower Color | Blue |
| Flower Conspicuousness | Yes |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Fruit/Seed Seasonality | Spring Summer |
| Seed Spread Rate | Slow |
| Propagations (Ways to Grow) | Bare Root, Container, Seed |
|---|---|
| Moisture Requirements | Medium |
| Cold Stratification Required | Yes |
| Minimum Temperature | -13 |
| Soil Depth for Roots | 12 |
| Toxic to Nearby Plants | No |
| Toxic to Livestock | No |
| After-Harvest Resprout Ability | Yes |
| Responds to Coppicing | No |
| pH Range | 6–8 pH |
|---|---|
| Precipitation Range | 10–10 inches/yr |
| Planting Density | 1700–2700 indiv./acre |
| Soil Textures | Coarse, Medium |
| Soil Depth for Roots | 12 |
| Minimum Frost-Free Days | 100 day(s) |
| Salinity Tolerance | None |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | Medium |
| Leaf Retention | No |
|---|---|
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Causes Livestock Bloating | None |
Source: USDA, NRCS, PLANTS Database, plants.usda.gov.
National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA
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