Dew Flower Penstemon cobaea Play pronunciation

Dew Flower is a flowering, herbaceous perennial in the plantain family native to the south central United States. It is common to the prairies or rocky bluffs of the western plains and to the Ozarks. It can reach a height of 2 feet at maturity with a spread of about 18 inches and produces large white and pink to violet blossoms that appear in early spring. The genus name refers to the one stamen of five that is sterile, a configuration common to this genus. The Penstemon genus are commonly called beardtongues because the sterile stamen can be hairy. The species name honors the Spanish missionary and naturalist Father Cobo.

Dew Flower does best in dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. It can tolerate poor soil and periods of drought, but does poorly in wet or poorly-drained soils. You can cut back the stems after flowering to avoid self seeding, or wait for the seeds to ripen. Keep in mind that Dew Flower may go dormant during the summer. The plant propagates from from seed and blooms in the second year after planting. Collect the seeds in summer when the capsules are brown and seeds are black.

The Dew Flower is somewhat similar in appearance to P. grandiflorus and its flowers are equally large in size. However, unlike P. grandiflorus, the Dew Flower has pubescent stems and sessile, rather that clasping, upper leaves and bracts.

Diseases, Insect Pests and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. This plant does not like wet feet and wet, poorly drained, soil can lead to root rot.

More information on Penstemon.