MAT PENSTEMON

Penstemon caespitosus

Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae)

Quite widely distributed in the eastern half of our region, mat penstemon is one of the few truly creeping members of the genus. It forms extensive, low mats with stems that root along their length. With occasional summer water, this plant can serve as a very attractive groundcover, though it cannot handle much foot traffic. It works very nicely planted around stepping stones, however. Its tiny rounded leaves give it a soft texture. Pretty, little tubular blue and white blossoms appear all over the surface of the plants in early summer. Mat penstemon prefers a well-drained soil and is a good addition to a rock garden. It can tolerate full sun or dappled shade. It will need to be watered more frequently on more exposed sites. It combines best with other low-growing plants like southern mountain phlox, fiesta buckwheat, and fringed puccoon.