Currently topping the list of developing crops is Penstemon spectabilis var. Lovely Rita, which was developed from a wild flower variety gathered in the mountains of Southern California.

This variety can be grown as a commercial cut flower or a home garden plant.

ATTRIBUTES:

+ Two-tone corolla changing from a purple to light magenta.

+ Flowers April and May in Southern California.

+ Far more determinate than other Penstemons, flowering in copious flushes with cut stems 24" to 30".

+ Excellent at holding flowers after cut.

+ Very drought tolerant, should not be over irrigated.

+ Best if replanted every three to four years.

+ Selected in cooperation with Fred Meyer from more than 1,000 seedlings.