Margarita BOP Penstemon | Summer Dormancy in CA Native Gardens

In this video, we’ll focus on what to expect from Margarita BOP penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP') during its summer dormancy. After blooming, it may experience some dieback, ranging from semi-dormancy to nearly full dormancy. You might notice browning or fading stems, but the plant is still alive, with swollen buds near the base often indicating dormancy rather than death. In some cases, Margarita BOP can remain evergreen, depending on sun exposure and irrigation, particularly in its first few years. However, it may still show signs of dieback after flowering. A hard cut-back of the spent stems can encourage fresh growth, with new foliage emerging by late summer. For more information about waterwise and California native plants: https://waterwisegardenplanner.org Useful Articles: https://waterwisegardenplanner.org/ar... Our Website: https://cbwcd.org Visit Us at the Waterwise Community Center: https://cbwcd.org/visit Our Monthly Newsletter: https://cbwcd.org/newsletter