Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker Penstemon
Firecracker Beardtongue
Eaton's Penstemon
Plant Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Flower:
Red
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Aug
Five to ten long, narrow, red tubular blossoms top each of the numerous tall stems.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
No
Foliage:
Green
Deciduous
The leaves, found mostly in the basal rosette, are lance-shaped to oval, untoothed, and up to 9 centimeters in length.
Oregon Native?
No
West State Native?
Yes
Southwest CO & UT to central AZ southwest CA
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
No
Firewise?
Yes
Height:
2.5-3'
Spread:
3'
Growth Rate:
Medium
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.
Soil:
Dry, gravelly soils
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Mulch:
Gravel or nothing
Long Term:
Winter:
Leave some stems for frost protection and mulch with straw in winter, if necessary.
Spring:
Summer:
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:
Common Problems
Disease problems are minimal except under irrigation. Under irrigation, fusarium wilt can be a problem.
Diseases:
Insects:
Also called: