foothill penstemon

Foothill penstemon plants should be watered regularly to keep the soil slightly moist. During the spring and summer months, the plant should be watered 1-2 times a week, depending on the amount of heat and humidity in the air. When temperatures are cooler, the watering schedule can be reduced to about once a week. Do not pour water on the leaves, as this may cause them to rot. Water thoroughly in the morning, making sure to saturate the entire root system. In hot and dry climates, additional water can be added during the afternoon and early evening to keep the plant from drying out. In the fall and winter, the plant should be watered every 2-3 weeks. If the plant experiences wilting or damage, water it immediately.

Foothill penstemon thrives best in full sun. This plant species should be in direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours each day. If this amount of sunlight is not possible, try to give the Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP' at least 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. The best times for the sunlight to reach the plant would be from 10 am to 4 pm if it is in direct sunlight. This is the sunlight time for best photosynthesis and growth potential.

Foothill Penstemon plants should be pruned in the spring each year, shortly after the last frost. The amount of pruning can vary depending on the size and shape of the desired shrub, but generally you will want to prune a few of the oldest stems all the way to the ground to encourage growth of new stems. Additionally, any stems that are dead, diseased or crossing can be removed at any time of the year. Additionally, you can pinch back the ends of the stem to encourage the stems to branch and create a fuller shrub.