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Photo:
Nathalie Smith
Taxon ID#
64
This perennial's striking feature is its scarlet flowers. Five to ten long, narrow, tubular blossoms top each of the numerous 2 ft. high stems.
Scientific Name:
Penstemon eatonii
Common Name 1
› Firecracker Penstemon
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Origins:
Southwest CO & UT to central AZ southwest CA
Plant Type:
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Common Name 2
› Firecracker Beardtongue
Common Name 3
› Eaton's Penstemon
Oregon native:
no
Western state native:
yes
Scroll down for more information on each topic
Landscape Application Information
Seasonal Care
Resource Links
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Low
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Sun Preference:
Partial Sun
Water Preference:
L
Soil Preference:
Dry, gravelly soils
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Gravel or nothing
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
The leaves, found mostly in the basal rosette, are lance-shaped to oval, untoothed, and up to 9 centimeters in length.
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
Red
Flower Description:
Five to ten long, narrow, red tubular blossoms top each of the numerous tall stems.
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Deciduous
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
2.5-3'
Mature spread:
3'
Growth rate:
Medium
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
no
Fire Resistant:
yes
Attracts Pollinators:
yes
Attracts Butterflies:
yes
Native Habitat:
It is native to the western United States from California to the Rocky Mountains, where it grows in many types of desert, woodland, forest, and open plateau habitat. In California it is found primarily in high desert areas.
Attracts Birds:
yes
Cut/Dried Flowers:
yes
Used by Wildlife:
yes
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Hummingbirds love the flowers. Species in the Penstemon genus are host plants to several butterfly species including the Arachne Checkerspot, Chalcedon Checkerspot, and Common Buckeye. Penstemons are considered desirable forages for deer, antelope, and b
Photo:
Hedge/Screen:
no
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
yes
Windbreak:
no
Ground Cover:
yes
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Cover Structures:
no
First Bloom:
Jun
Last Bloom:
Adds Texture/Movement:
Aug
Ornamental Accent:
yes
no
Garden Observations:
Seasonal Care
Maintenance
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Summer Care:
To extend the lifespan of the plant, deadhead the flower spikes when flowering is done. But be sure to leave some seeds to ripen on the plant.(https://www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/penstemon/penstemon-eatonii) or clip back stalks after final
Fall Care:
Winter Care:
Leave some stems for frost protection and mulch with straw in winter, if necessary.
Long Term Care:
Insect Pests:
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
Environmental Problems:
Landscape Problems:
Disease problems are minimal except under irrigation. Under irrigation, fusarium wilt can be a problem.
Care Comments:
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.
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:
Landscape Application
Resource Links
Plant Maintenance Information
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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webmaster@gocomga.com
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