Penstemon barbatus
Beardlip Penstemon
Bearded Penstemon
Red Penstemon
Plant Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Flower:
Red
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Sep
Loose terminal racemes of reddish-orange, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 2? long) atop erect, rigid stems bloom from late spring well into summer.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
No
Foliage:
Green
Semi-Evergreen
Jan Even
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.
Oregon Native?
No
West State Native?
Yes
Sonora in Mexico, north through Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas to Utah and Colorado
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
Yes
Firewise?
Yes
Height:
2-3'
Spread:
12-18"
Growth Rate:
Native Habitat:
Mesas; mountains
Soil:
Rocky soils
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Mulch:
Long Term:
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.
Winter:
Leave some stems for frost protection and mulch with straw in winter, if necessary.
Spring:
Move in Spring to left of Rice Grass or in corner next to Poker
Summer:
Remove spent flowering racemes to prolong bloom.
Fall:
Plants may be cut back to basal foliage after flowering to improve appearance of the planting.
Common Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
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
Insects:
Also called: