This penstemon might look like Penstemon strictus, but look again. It is not as dark blue as P. strictus (which is done blooming right now), and the flowers are more open. It does not form a basal mat like P. strictus. It is in the same subgenus as P. strictus (Habroanthus), and the same section (Glabri), so they would be expected share some similarities. In its native habitat at 6000 to 9000 feet elevation, it is said the bloom July and August, but here at the lower end of its elevation, it is blooming in June. It is seems to prefer a bit of water in my garden, whether because of situation (full sun, though I'm not sure what exposure they prefer in the wild), or because of elevation. They might be fine with no water, but they are much happier with just a splash now and then. This plant was purchased last year (along with a few more) from Agua Fria Nursery in Santa Fe.
By the way, with all the pre-moving issues, postings may become irregular.
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