Penstemon centranthifolius

Also Known As

Scarlet Bugler

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 12"-24"
W: 12"

planting zones

8a-10b

More Options

Penstemon centranthifolius plant details

Penstemon centranthifolius is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with blue and green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon centranthifolius

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: native plant, rock garden, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon centranthifolius

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Named for its screaming red 1” flowers, all trimmed of the usual Penstemon lobes to perfectly fit a hummingbird beak. A native of the dry slopes of oak woodlands in the Coastal Ranges & the Southern Sierras, “Scarlet Bugler” is a very showy perennial with 1-2’ tall & wide grey rosettes & 2-4’ tall flower spikes. While not suitable for mixing into a watered & amended cottage garden, it is a fine choice if you have an open dry spot in full sun - or the equivalent conditions in a pot. It needs good drainage, yet tolerates clay if it is low in organic matter.