Climbing penstemon is a perennial shrub or vine native to southwestern California and northern Baja California. It typically grows 3-6 feet tall but can reach 15 feet. The shrub has woody stems and evergreen foliage, spreading over other plants. Showy red flowers bloom from May to July in compact clusters. Climbing penstemon is drought tolerant and thrives in part shade, making it suitable for growing under trees or along fences and walls to provide summer color. It attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with its nectar and provides shelter for birds.

1. Climbing Penstemon – Keckiella cordifolia
(kek-ee-EL-la kor-di-FO-lee-a)
Family: Scrophulaceae (Figwort Family)
Native to: Southwestern CA to N. Baja; usually found on north facing slopes or under the shade of
trees near streams or other water sources.
Growth characteristics: perennial shrub/vine
mature length: 3-6 ft. ; can grow to 15 ft.
Sprawling woody shrub that often climbs over other plants. evergreen in mild climates with a little
watering, deciduous in winter cold or under drought stress.
Blooms May-July. Flowers are showy, red, growing in compact clusters at ends of
branches. Very attractive when in bloom – look like elongated snapdragon flowers.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Very useful plant to provide summer color, particularly in shaded areas. Does
fine under trees, including oaks. Good for backs of beds, along walks. Can be trained to grow along
a wall or fence. Good ground cover and on banks. Foliage is attractive with some summer water.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native viney, summer-flowering shrubs such as Abelia.
Excellent habitat plant: provides nectar for hummingbirds. Bees and butterflies.
also eat seeds. Foliage provides shelter for birds, small animals.
Attracts:
Birds
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade is best; full sun only with supplemental water
Any well-drained soil; any local pH
Very drought tolerant; can take some summer water, but don’t overwater
Low requirements/ none needed
Organic mulch is fine
Relatively easy. Prefers cool roots, so mulch or consider planting under a large
shrub or tree with low water requirements. Will need to provide support to get it to grow on
fences/walls.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: yes
by cuttings: semi-softwood cuttings or layering (easiest)
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 7, 8, 10-14, 20, 21, 24, 28
2/19/11
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