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Photo:
Jan Even
Beardlip Penstemon
Bearded Penstemon
Red Penstemon
Latin Name:
Penstemon barbatus
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.
Taxon ID#
62
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Sun Preference:
Partial Sun
Water Preference:
L
Soil Preference:
Rocky soils
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Sonora in Mexico, north through Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas to Utah and Colorado
Oregon native:
no
Western state native:
yes
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
Photo:
Kathy Ketchum
Used by Wildlife:
no
Hedge/Screen:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
no
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
no
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Adds Texture/Movement:
no
First Bloom:
Jun
Last Bloom:
Sep
Ornamental Accent:
yes
Garden Observations:
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:
George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden
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