Photo of Penstemon kunthii flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery

Photo by Dancing Oaks Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Penstemon kunthii

Also Known As

  • Beard Tongue

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'
  • W: 2'

planting zones

  • 7a-9b

More Options

Penstemon kunthii plant details

Penstemon kunthii is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon kunthii

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 2 FT tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon kunthii

USDA Zones: 7a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Deep dark red slender flowers
Neat evergreen shrublet to 2' with numerous spires of rosy red narrowly tubular red flowers highlighted by a whitish throat and a bit of penciling. The narrow leaves and and flowers are a nice change from the popular Husker red type Penstemons. Good drainage and a nice hot sunny spot.
This easily grown species of Penstemon will provide your garden multiple spikes of pink-purple flowers. It is long blooming so it will provide lots of color & lots of nectar for your neighborhood hummingbirds in spring-summer. Grows to 2’ by 2’ & is evergreen. Native to Oaxaca, Mexico & is found growing in open meadows in the mountains. They are found growing up to 10,000’ in elevation so they are pretty hardy, although I’m not sure if they will stay evergreen in the colder climates.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

This species with clusters of small dark red flowers blooms for months on end! Grass green narrow arching leaves on plants 2 x 2 feet.

Gardening facts about Penstemon kunthii plant

How to Grow Penstemon kunthii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Penstemon for your garden

aka Penstemon ambiguus subsp. laevissimus, Pink Plains Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 9"-12"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun
  • occasional
Photo of Penstemon ambiguus var. laevissimus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Pinto Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon bicolor close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Pinto Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon bicolor subsp. roseus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Firecracker Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 8"-14"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon eatonii flower, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka Lilac Beardstongue, Lilac Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-24"

Width: 8"-24"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Penstemon gracilis close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant
+227 more Penstemon
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