Penstemon barbatus, commonly called bearded penstemon or beardlip penstemon, is native to rocky slopes and open woodlands from Utah and Colorado to Arizona, Texas and Mexico. It is a clump-forming perennial that typically grows 1.5-3’ tall. Loose terminal racemes of reddish-orange, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 2” long) atop erect, rigid stems bloom from late spring well into summer. The lower, reflexed lip typically has a covering of dense yellow or white hairs. Clasping, narrow, lance-shaped to linear, willow-like, medium green stem leaves (2-6” long). Oblong to ovate basal foliage generally retains some green color over winter. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.

'Purple Rock Candy' features stunning, saturated purple blooms with white throats that rise above the compact green foliage. 'A great choice for the border in a sunny garden and performs well in containers. Remove faded flowers from the first heavy bloom to encourage reblooming.