Penstemon barbatus
Common Name(s):
Beardlip Penstemon
Bearded Penstemon
Synonym:
Chelone barbata
Red Penstemon
Flower:
Red
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Sep
Loose terminal racemes of reddish-orange, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 2" long) atop erect, rigid stems.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
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.
Fall Color?
YES
Persistent seed pods and occassional late season floral flush
Semi-Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Dark green glossy basal foliage
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
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:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Mesas; mountains
Soil:
Rocky soils
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
None needed but one can apply a light low-nitrogen fertilizer once a year in early spring or fall
Mulch:
Small gravel or pea gravel
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.
Long Term:
Winter:
Leave some stems for frost protection and mulch with straw in winter, if necessary.
Spring:
Pruning dead winter growth, monitor soil moisture, apply fertilizer if needed
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.
General Care Comments:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils.
Common Problems
Poorly drained soil, excessive watering, over fertilization
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:
Aphids, thrips
Environmental Problems:
Excess moisture, heavy clay soils, saline runoff
Pests:
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