Botanical Name: Penstemon cardinalis
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Common Name: Cardinal Penstemon  
Plant photo of: Penstemon cardinalis
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Red

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

This is a seldom grown native of southern New Mexico and west Texas that thrives in the intense sun of the west. The flowers are an unusually deep rich red and hang gracefully off their tall spikes. Blooms in midsummer and is a great species to help keep the hummingbirds around your yard. Its attractive large deep green leaves grow in a rosette at the base of the plant and are evergreen in mild winters. A fantastic variety that is not planted often enough. Grows 24-28 inches tall and 15 inches wide.
Grow in full sun in any well draining soil. Does well with gravel mulch, though will be fine in plant-based mulches - just don't pile it around the base of the plant too closely. If basal foliage dies back in winter, trim it in late winter to early spring, taking care not to damage plant crown; see Guides.