Penstemon kunthii

beardtounge

Evergreen, Semi-evergreen Perennial

"One of our very favorite of all perennials at Xera. This extraordinary Penstemon is actually native to south central Mexico, but glory be its actually cold hardy here. Smaller, profuse tubular intense red flowers line strong stems. This bushy plant expands with the season and there will be scores of bloom spikes. To 2′ x 2′ but it can and has exceeded that. This EVERBLOOMING perennial is incredibly adaptable as well as an almost over performer. The flowers are small enough that they create a haze of red rather than a wall of red and it finds color compatibility with purples, and oranges. Full sun in rich to average soil that is never boggy. Slight improvement to the soil will result in a cloud of flowers for months. Irresistible to hummingbirds and pollinators in general. Bloom which is constant can even extend well into winter shrugging off light frosts. Considering its native origin in Oaxaca it's fantastic that it thrives to perfection in our climate. So far it's happily weathered temperatures down to 5ºF. This is a outstanding perennial with a sophisticated flower color and a massive display of bloom for months. Cut back by 2/3 in early spring. It will resume growing almost immediately. We obtained this plant form David Mason and we are forever in his debt. Glossy thin foliage in handsome." —Courtesy Xera Plants

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Low Water / No Water

Description

Size: - tall x 24 - 30 wide
Shape / Form: Clumping, Upright
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Flowers, Long Blooming, Low Maintenance

Foliage Color: Green

Flower Color: Magenta / Deep Pink
Bloom Season: Fall, Late Fall / Early Winter, Late Summer / Early Fall, Summer
Flower Shape: Trumpet / Tubular


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Beds and Borders, Cutting Garden, Food for Foraging Wildlife, Habitat, Hell Strip, Massed, Mixed Border, Rock Garden, Small Gardens
Special Situations: Low Water / No Water
Wildlife: Bees, Beneficial Insects, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinators

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Summer, Fall
Position / Role: mid-plane filler, matrix / mingler
Plant Behavior: Fast Growing / Vigorous
Collections: eGardenGo Favorite

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium
Maintenance Tasks: Deadheading

Plant Combos