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(Penstemon eatonii)
Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii)
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Hunter H
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Hunter H
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Hunter H | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Hunter H | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-05-15T18:33:45-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penstemon eatonii, commonly known as Firecracker Penstemon, is an evergreen perennial herb native to arid regions, including deserts, chaparral, and scrublands in California and the Southwestern United States. It typically grows to a height of up to one meter with several sprawling to erect stems. The plant is characterized by its inflorescence of showy tubular flowers in brilliant red, which can exceed 3 cm in length and are narrow and cylindrical, not spreading much at the mouth. These flowers bloom from late winter to early summer, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Firecracker Penstemon is valued for its vibrant red flowers and ability to thrive in dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, rock gardens, and xeriscaping. It is also used in border planting and as an accent plant in cultivated landscapes. This plant prefers full sun exposure and is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during prolonged dry spells can help maintain its vigor. Firecracker Penstemon is generally low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Firecracker Penstemon is valued for its vibrant red flowers and ability to thrive in dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, rock gardens, and xeriscaping. It is also used in border planting and as an accent plant in cultivated landscapes. This plant prefers full sun exposure and is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during prolonged dry spells can help maintain its vigor. Firecracker Penstemon is generally low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
native to arid regions, including deserts, chaparral, and scrublands in California and the Southwestern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Eaton’s Penstemon
Scientific Names: Penstemon eatonii , Penstemon eatonii var. eatonii , Penstemon eatonii subsp. eatonii , Penstemon amplus
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon eatonii A.Gray