Beardtongue Red Salvia

24-30" tall x 12-15" wide (seed propagated). Salvia penstemonoides was thought to be extinct in its native habitat until its recent re-discovery in a few isolated locations in south-central Texas. After obtaining stock from a 1996 plant sale at Austin's Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, we are finally able to offer our customers this rare and exquisite wildflower. From a handsome mound of glossy, evergreen foliage, the plant grows stately flowering spikes that bloom much of the summer with spectacular dark rose-red Penstemon-like flowers. Plant it in moisture-retentive garden soil in a wind-protected site. Yellow flowered Aquilegia chrysantha makes an ideal companion plant.