Penstemon eatonii
Common: Firecracker penstemon, Mexican firecracker, Beardtongue, Penstemon
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Various species, most are native to Western United States from Canada into Mexico
Sunset Zone: Vary by species
Temperature: Tolerates heat
Light: Full sun, partial shade; can be planted beneath trees
Soil: Most will do but depth is preferred.
Water: Little water; too much water causes floppy growth.
If given too rich soil and too much water, they may die quickly.
Versatile garden plant; planted in masses. Feeding ground for hummingbirds.
Adds natural look to landscapes. Perennials, evergreen shrubs and shrublets.
Basal growth supports numerous tall flowering stalks. 1-1/2 to 3 ft. tall, 1 to 3 feet wide. Narrow tubular flowers, scarlet in color. Flowers in spring to early summer. Growth more vigorous in second season.
Cut back old dead flower stalks in late fall. Remove seeds from stems and scatter where you want new plants the following year.