Early in February I noticed that a year-old Hill Country Penstemon, Penstemon triflorus, decided to send a bloom stalk upwards. There were no blooms, only the promise of pink bells to come, but way too early for this late March/April bloomer, especially given capricious winter weather. This particular individual was certainly eager for spring’s arrival.
The plant itself is hardy throughout the year; an evergreen, ground-hugging rosette being the typical form of this pretty perennial during late summer, autumn, and winter months. Gracing the garden in the height of spring with a cluster of bloom stalks, luscious pink flowers open to the delight of native bees, moths, and gardeners.
This one? A little too early, a bit too restless.
On February 22nd, ahead of a cold spell that would plunge Central Texas to the low 20s for 48 hours or more, I popped a bucket over the tender bloom stalk, then covered the bucket with an old blanket. I had no worries about the plant itself–it shrugs off ice and cold–but a tender bloom stalk is vulnerable to frigid temperatures and I hoped to save this one for its proper show time. I should add that I have seven individual plants and only this character yearned for an early spring, all the others lay green and dormant, biding their time for longer and warmer days.
I’m glad that I took the time to cover the plant, because in just a few week’s time, the stalk grew taller, dotted with lovely, bell-shaped flowers, ready for pollinators and persons to enjoy.
This early-bird penstemon remains the only one blooming, though its kin are ramping up for their pink parade. In the next month, pink bells, fluted and highlighted with stripes, will beckon insects to explore their offerings.
Weirdly, as great as this native Texas perennial is, it’s hard to find in nurseries and I haven’t had any luck seeding it in my gardens. I’m protective of the specimens that I’ve purchased and grown and you can see why.
Spring is here, time to bloom!
My Gardener Says... 