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Photo by Far Reaches Farm

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Buy Scrophularia macrantha

Also Known As

Red Birds in a Tree

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 1'-2'

planting zones

4b-10b

4" pot | $15

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Scrophularia macrantha plant details

Scrophularia macrantha is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer red flowers emerge. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Scrophularia macrantha

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: scrophulariaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall and summer
Uses: container plant, long-blooming, rare, rock garden, serrated leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Scrophularia macrantha

USDA Zones: 4b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Scrophularia macrantha is a Penstemon relative whose common name is redbirds-in-a-tree. This interesting sub-shrub blooms from early summer until frost with curious, bright red, tubular flowers with white lips that look like little red birds resting in a tree. Great for hummingbirds and bees. Hardy to zone 5 and drought tolerant once established. Plant in well-drained soils.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

avail 4/1 NEW bushy perennial forms an irregular mound about 20" with fresh green foliage; red "bird" flowers from June until frost, adored by hummers! Best in sun, needs well drained mineral soil (does not want compost or organic soil), sandy is great. R

By: Secret Garden Growers

Invite a flock of flowery crimson birds to your garden early Spring through Fall with this long-blooming, DROUGHT, HEAT & CLAY tolerant native to the highlands of New Mexico. This very rare Penstemon relative makes a rockstar hellstrip plant the hummingbirds adore. Growing to 36" high & 18" wide with handsome sprays of deep green, serrated foliage it's found on steep rocky cliffs at elevations of over 7000' making it an excellent plant for those of you in mountainous areas. It loves to intertwine with neighboring plants for support, Salvias are excellent buddies.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Introduced in 1996 by High Country Gardens, this rare penstemon cousin has showy crimson tubular flowers which are produced in generous sprays above rich green serrated foliage. This southwestern uplands wildflower has shown great adaptability in gardens. Perennial. Sandy soil, clay or loam. USDA zones 4-9 (up to 8,000').

By: Plant Select®

Sometimes we like common names and this is one of those time. New Mexico native where it grows in moist canyons. Small white-lipped red tubular flowers in clustered congeniality throughout the summer to the delight of the nectar feeders. Likes to lean on other plants.

By: Far Reaches Farm

Garden photo gallery of Scrophularia macrantha

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

By: Plant Select®

By: Plant Select®

Gardening facts about Scrophularia macrantha plant

How to Grow Scrophularia macrantha

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- clay
- adaptable
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rich
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant