🌸 Native Plant of the Week: Desert Penstemon (Penstemon pseudospectabilis, Zones 5–8)⁠ ⁠ There are about 280 species in the Penstemon genus—native to every state in the continental U.S., plus parts of Canada and Mexico. That’s a whole lot of beardtongue beauty. From ground-hugging mats to five-foot wonders, penstemons come in nearly every size and bloom in vibrant blues, purples, reds, pinks, yellows, and creams.⁠ ⁠ If you’re gardening in the American Southwest, desert penstemon is a must. Native to the canyons and deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and SoCal, this drought-hardy stunner grows up to five feet tall and produces hundreds of vivid pink blooms from April to July—with a bonus rebloom in fall.⁠ ⁠ Desert penstemon thrives in well-drained soil and full or part sun. It’s tailor-made for water-wise gardens—and it’s a pollinator magnet, drawing in hummingbirds, native bees, and even hawk moths.⁠ ⁠ 🌱 Pro tip: Individual plants usually live about three years, but they self-seed...