Penstemon hirsutus, the hairy penstemon, is a great garden plant for the front of the border. For the rock garden, try Penstemon hirsutus v. pygmaeus which looks just like the larger form, but is only 15 cm (6 inches) tall. The 2.5 cm long flowers are tubular in shape and colored a pale mauve with white tips. A white flowering variety is available. Flowers open sequentially so that the plant provides a good show for several weeks. In fall the foliage turns a golden reddish brown providing a continued display.