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Photo:
Jan Even
Taxon ID#
62
Brilliant scarlet flowers are borne in profusion on the 2-4 ft. stalks of this penstemon. Blooms appear most profusely in the spring and again in the fall.
Scientific Name:
Penstemon barbatus
Common Name 1
› Beardlip Penstemon
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Origins:
Sonora in Mexico, north through Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas to Utah and Colorado
Plant Type:
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Common Name 2
› Bearded Penstemon
Common Name 3
› Red Penstemon
Oregon native:
no
Western state native:
yes
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Plant Maintenance Information
Landscape Application Information
Seasonal Care
Resource Links
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Sun Preference:
Partial Sun
Water Preference:
L
Soil Preference:
Rocky soils
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
Clasping, narrow, lance-shaped to linear, willow-like, medium green stem leaves (2-6" long). Oblong to ovate basal foliage generally retains some green color over winter.
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
Red
Flower Description:
Loose terminal racemes of reddish-orange, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 2" long) atop erect, rigid stems bloom from late spring well into summer.
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Semi-Evergreen
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
2-3'
Mature spread:
12-18"
Growth rate:
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
yes
Fire Resistant:
yes
Attracts Pollinators:
yes
Attracts Butterflies:
yes
Native Habitat:
Mesas; mountains
Attracts Birds:
yes
Cut/Dried Flowers:
no
Used by Wildlife:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Photo:
Kathy Ketchum
Hedge/Screen:
no
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
no
Windbreak:
no
Ground Cover:
no
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Cover Structures:
no
First Bloom:
Jun
Last Bloom:
Adds Texture/Movement:
Sep
Ornamental Accent:
yes
no
Garden Observations:
Application
Anchor 1
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Move in Spring to left of Rice Grass or in corner next to Poker
Summer Care:
Remove spent flowering racemes to prolong bloom.
Fall Care:
Plants may be cut back to basal foliage after flowering to improve appearance of the planting.
Winter Care:
Leave some stems for frost protection and mulch with straw in winter, if necessary.
Long Term Care:
Penstemon are low maintenance. The main requirement for success is that they need to be planted in well-drained soil-they do not like to have wet feet or crowns. They do best in lean soil without any additional amendments.
Insect Pests:
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
Root rot can occur in wet, poorly-drained soils. Leaf spots and rusts may also occur. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=Penstemon-Root+Rot
Environmental Problems:
Landscape Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Care Comments:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils.
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:
Sponsors
Desert Peaks Healthcare
George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales, LLC
Schilling's Garden Market
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