Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker Penstemon
Description
This perennial grows at a moderate rate to 1' x 1-1/2'. Bright green leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant. Scarlet spikes of flowers appear late winter to spring. Reseeds easily. Plant in fall for spring flowers. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Accepts full sun to partial shade. Native to the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Similar to Penstemon barbatus but eatonii is earlier and more compact.
Plant Type
Perennial
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Red
Flower Season
Winter, Spring
Leaf Color
Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low, Medium
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring
Location Uses
Entry, Parking Strip, Patio, Swimming Pool, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Filler, Naturalizing, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.