This Texas native is one of the first Penstemons to bloom, starting in early February and continuing to send up flower spikes through April. It has especially large, deep rose flowers marked with colored streaks, called "guidelines", which lead hummingbirds and bees to the nectar stored deep inside the blossoms. With its glossy green leaves, compact form and 2-foot tall flowers spikes, Hill Country Penstemon makes a great foreground plant for some of the taller selections.