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Penstemon cardinalis

Also Known As

  • Cardinal Beardtongue

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 3'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

More Options

Penstemon cardinalis plant details

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon cardinalis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 3 FT tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: rock garden, rosette-forming

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon cardinalis

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Native to Texas & New Mexico this fierce flowered Penstemon loves it hot & sunny. Deep red ruby tubular blooms dangle on 2-3' spikes, causing a hummingbird frenzy mid-Summer. Big deep green leaves form a dashing evergreen rosette up to 3' wide. Needs well drained soil & once established is totally drought tolerant. Excellent choice for rock gardens & dry borders. Combine with Ratibida columnifera var. pulcherimma, Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Diadem' & Penstemon X gloxinioides 'Midnight' for a bloomerific low water Summertime bloomfest.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Penstemon cardinalis plant

How to Grow Penstemon cardinalis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

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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