Penstemon hartwegii, commonly known as Hartweg’s beardtongue, is a perennial herb native to the high elevations of Mexico, where it thrives in open woodlands and meadows. It typically grows 12-28 inches tall and features simple, narrow, mid-green leaves. From summer to early autumn, it produces showy racemes of bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of bright red, purple, or crimson, often with contrasting white markings that add to their ornamental value. The plant has a bushy, semi-deciduous habit, losing some of its foliage in cooler climates.

Hartweg’s beardtongue is celebrated for its vibrant flowers which attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens. It has earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in temperate gardens. Commonly used in borders, rock gardens, and as a specimen plant, it requires full sun and well-drained soil to flourish. While it is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during prolonged dry periods will keep it looking its best. It is generally disease-resistant, but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0