Firecracker Penstemon, Eaton’s Firecracker (Penstemon eatonii)
Type: Perennial
Size: 1–2 feet high, 2 feet wide, with flower stalks to 3 feet high
Bloom: April–June
Water use: Low to moderate
When in bloom, firecracker penstemon more than lives up to its name. Its showy spikes of fiery red tubular flowers are pollinated by, and an important nectar source for, migrating and nesting hummingbirds.
This penstemon is quite heat tolerant and normally prefers full sun, but in extremely hot summer regions it may appreciate some filtered or afternoon shade. Mulching lightly in the summer will help keep roots cool. A deep soaking once or twice a month during summer will keep foliage looking more attractive, but otherwise firecracker penstemon is quite drought tolerant.
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This is a great accent plant for rock gardens or courtyards and is particularly striking when massed in borders, in beds, or along walkways.
