Photo of Penstemon eatonii flower, form by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Penstemon eatonii

Also Known As

  • Firecracker Penstemon

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'
  • W: 8"-14"

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

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Penstemon eatonii plant details

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon eatonii

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 8 IN - 14 IN - wide, 2 FT - 3 - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, clumping, container plant, long-blooming, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon eatonii

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Blooms: spring-summer, orange-red, clumping short upright stems. Zone 4-9, PNW, sun, moist-summer dry, well drained
I remember staring at these every time we drove up into the pine-forested mountains of Arizona. I was ecstatic when I found out they could be grown in lowland Arizona also. They can survive heat and cold. Perfect for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Drought tollerant when established. The attractive, low growing leaves give rise to tall flowers each spring. Cold hardy to zone 5 or 6, at least. For sale are plants in 2" pots. They will probably bloom next spring.
Few plants make such a show as a well-grown specimen of “Firecracker Penstemon.” Native to the Southwest & into California, Penstemon eatonii grows 2 to 3' tall x 1’ wide & bears, in late Spring brilliant red, tubular flowers loved by hummingbirds. The leaves are large & leathery. Good drainage is a necessity as well as fairly dry conditions in Summer. Hardy to 18 °F.

Gardening facts about Penstemon eatonii plant

How to Grow Penstemon eatonii

  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
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