Firecracker Penstemon Richfield Strain

24-36" tall x 15" wide. The Richfield form of Eaton's Beardtongue was selected for its overall vigor and flower production. It blooms in early to mid-spring blooming with tall spikes of brilliant red flowers. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).
Zones4 - 9
Advantages
bee-friendly
Bee Friendly
attract-butterflies
Attract Butterflies
attract-hummingbirds
Attract Hummingbirds
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Attract Birds
hcg-deer-resistant-icon
Deer Resistant
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Native
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Easy To Grow
containers
Good For Containers
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Good Rockgarden Or Alpine Plant
hcg-rabbit-resistant-icon
Rabbit Resistant
Light Requirements
full-sun
Full Sun
Water Tolerance
Xeric
Mature Height 24-36" tall
Mature Spread15" wide
Bloom TimeMid spring
Shipping DetailsShipping begins the week of August 28th, 2023 Learn More…
SKUHC016186

USDA Hardiness Planting Zones

To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.

  • If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will survive the winter temperatures in your area.
  • If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).

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SKU
HC016186
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Details
24-36" tall x 15" wide. Firecracker Beardtongue was released by the Soil Conservation Service's Plant Materials Center in Aberdeen, ID. Seeds of this species were collected from 15 different locations in UT. Plants from each seed location were evaluated in side-by-side field trials for beauty, hardiness, longevity and natural range of adaptability. 'Richfield Selection' from Sevier Co., UT was judged superior. Plant this beauty in full sun sites with lean, well drained soil. Water deeply but infrequently after the first growing season. Excellent companion plants include Nepeta faassenii 'Select Blue' and Stanleya pinnata. (seed propagated)
More Information
Associated SKUsHC016186
HC014199 (Plant - 2.5" Pot) - Out of stock.
HC014200 (Plant - 3" Pot) - Out of stock.
HC014201 (Plant - 5" Deep Pot)
Common Name
'Richfield Strain' Firecracker Beardtongue
Botanical Name
Penstemon eatonii 'Richfield Strain'
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Flower Color
Red
Mature Height
24-36" tall
Mature Spread
15" wide
Bloom Time
Mid spring
Ships As
Potted Plant
Evergreen Foliage
Yes
Soil Type
Sandy Soil
Soil Moisture
Waterwise
Advantages
Bee Friendly, Attract Butterflies, Attract Hummingbirds, Attract Birds, Deer Resistant, Native, Easy To Grow, Good For Containers, Good Rockgarden Or Alpine Plant, Rabbit Resistant
Ideal Region
Western Only, Hot Desert, Suitable Above 7000 ft
Planting Time
Spring / Summer, Fall
Neonicotinoid Free
Native To
North America
Ships To Canada
No
Planting Guides

Tips for growing Penstemon (Beardtongue)

Penstemon are generally evergreen and have beautiful flowers that are very attractive to hummingbirds. Most varieties are rabbit resistant.

  1. They need “elbow room,” maximum sun, heat and don’t like to be crowded by other plants.
  2. Plant only in well-drained soils; clay soils and Penstemon are incompatible.
  3. Avoid overly enriched soils; too much compost and fertilizer will shorten their lifespan.
  4. They establish quickly and the amount and frequency of watering needs to be reduced after about 8 to 10 weeks to create dry conditions.
  5. When using drip irrigation, be sure to put the emitter off to the side of the plant, not right on top of the root ball to avoid overwatering the plant.
  6. Plant high, leaving the top of the rootball just above the surrounding soil to avoid burying the crown of the plant.
  7. Mulch with gravel or pine needles in arid climates. No mulch is needed where conditions are moister. Always avoid bark, grass clippings, or compost as mulch materials.
  8. Allow some of the plants to set seed (don't deadhead all of the flower spikes)*.
  9. Fertilize sparingly. One time each year in the fall is enough. Apply a light application of an organic or natural fertilizer such as Yum Yum Mix as a top dressing around the plants. Don't use high nitrogen water soluble fertilizer like Miracle Gro

*To keep penstemon that have finely textured or matted evergreen foliage looking their best, you'll want to 'deadhead" them. Shear off the fading flowering spikes just as the plant is going out of flower. Gently bunch the flower spikes together with one hand and cut them off at the point where they go down into the mat of foliage with your clipper in your other hand. Recommended for the following varieties: P. pinifolius types (‘Compactum', ‘Mersea Yellow', ‘Nearly Red', ‘Magdalena Sunshine' and ‘Tall Orange Mix'), as well as Penstemon linarioides v. coloradensis and Penstemon virens ('Blue Lips').

More in-depth guidance for growing Penstemon: Watch our video: How To Plant Penstemon or read articles: Growing Penstemon, Penstemon for the Waterwise Garden, David’s Favorite Plants: Pineleaf Beardtongue, The Beardtongue Family: Penstemania for Penstemon and The Genus Penstemon: The Royalty of American Wildflowers The Genus Penstemon: The Royalty of American Wildflowers (Part 2).


View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
ZoneShipping Status
Zone 2Shipping begins the week of August 28th, 2023
Zone 3Shipping begins the week of August 28th, 2023
Zone 4Shipping begins the week of August 28th, 2023
Zone 5Shipping begins the week of September 4th, 2023
Zone 6Shipping begins the week of September 11th, 2023
Zone 7Shipping begins the week of September 18th, 2023
Zone 8Shipping begins the week of September 25th, 2023
Zone 9Shipping begins the week of October 2nd, 2023
Zone 10Shipping begins the week of October 9th, 2023

As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.

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