Download Firecracker Penstemon, Beardtongue

Firecracker Penstemon Provide Explosive
Color and Drought Tolerance
By Michael Berniger, Colorado Master Gardener
What is it: Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatnoii) also commonly know as ‘Beardtongue’
Appearance: Firecracker Penstemon is a perennial native of the Desert Mountains of the southwest.
It can grow between 10” to over 3’, and 1’ to 3’ wide. Its bright, tubular shaped scarlet flowers hang
from arching stems. The lance shaped blue-green leaves have a leathery texture. Bright flowers occur
in profusion with up to 30 blooms on a single stalk, with the flowers hanging like pendants. The name
‘Beardtongue” comes from the appearance of the bloom, which has an infertile stamen among the
flower petals that protrudes
and looks like a hairy
tongue. Bloom time is from
May to mid-July, and may
last up to six weeks as new
flowers continue to open
along the stem. Many
different species of
Penstemon are suitable to
grow in Colorado and other
colors include blue, dark
purple, pink and white.
For a listing of different
Penstemon that will do well
Colorado, please view the
CSU Extension office’s fact
sheet “Native Herbaceous
Perennials for the Colorado
Landscape” at
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/
garden/07242.html.
Use in the Landscape: Penstemon will provide vibrant color to the low water, sustainable landscape.
These native herbaceous perennials are naturally adapted to the climate, soil and environmental
conditions of Colorado. They can be grown as a single specimen, or in mass groupings for a greater
effect. Firecracker Penstemon’s stems slowly arch and spill out from their base, making them valuable
for use in rock gardens and over sidewalks. Use the vibrant colors of the Penstemon to create
dramatic contrasts with other native perennials.
The bright tubular flowers are a favorite nectar source for bees, butterflies and birds. Hummingbirds
are especially attracted to the flowers and have been known to stake out their own territory and will
defend a particularly sweet patch of blooms.
Cultivation: Firecracker Penstemon prefers full sun and well-drained soils, as do most Penstemon. It
is drought tolerant once established and can tolerate poor soils, but over-watering and excessive
fertilization may cause damage to the plant. Planting in the correct site and making sure of proper
drainage will extend the life and health of your plant.
Vibrant color, drought-tolerance, and general hardiness make the Firecracker Penstemon an ideal
choice for the Colorado garden. With good plant placement, soil preparation and water-wise
management, Penstemon will prove to be a natural beauty for many years.
When you have questions, your Colorado State University Extension office has research-based
answers. For answers to your horticultural questions, contact the Colorado Master Gardener Help
Desk at 520-7684 or email [email protected].
Extension Programs are available to all without discrimination.