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Margarita B.O.P Foothill Penstemon

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP'

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP' in San Joaquin County demonstration garden. Photo: SK Reid.
Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP' in San Joaquin County demonstration garden. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

A delightful introduction from the late Bert Wilson of Las Pilitas Nursery. With dark green foliage and vivid violet flowers that fade to fuchsia, it has a stunning color display on this perennial subshrub in spring and early summer and repeats bloom best if sheared a bit as blooming fades. It had its best growth and appearance on the low irrigation treatment. In conjunction with the trials, Margarita B.O.P. was also grown in several UCCE Master Gardener demonstration gardens throughout California. It received high marks from all 12 UC Master Gardener demonstration gardens from Shasta to San Diego County.

Although not long-lived, it is tough as nails and is well worth re-planting for its gorgeous color and its attractiveness to pollinators.

Basic Info

Submitted by: UC Davis Arboretum
Trial Exposure: Sun
Year evaluated: 2009
Height & Width
(after 2 years):
13" x 47" - UC Davis
Reported Height & Width
(at maturity):
1-2' x 1-3'
WUCOLS plant type: P N
Water Needs & WUCOLS Region:
Low - Region 2 
Mean Overall 
Appearance rating:
(1-5 Scale, 5 is highest)
4.8 - UC Davis 
Flowering Months
April-September - UC Davis

Growth and Quality Data

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