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Bridges' Penstemon

Penstemon rostriflorus

$9.59
$9.59 $11.99
per Plant - 5" Deep Pot
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ZONES  4-8 | Good to grow! Zone
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• Penstemon rostriflorus (Bridges’ Beardtongue) is a Southwest native wildflower that blooms for weeks from summer through fall with scarlet trumpet-shaped flowers
• This later-blooming variety is a rich source of natural nectar, and a must-have for hummingbird gardens
• P. rostriflorus is one of the longest-lived, longest-blooming, and most durable Penstemon species
• This drought tolerant (xeric) plant features evergreen foliage
• A 2006 Plant Select® selection

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Bridges' Penstemon

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Description

Penstemon rostriflorus (Bridges’ Beardtongue) carpets the American Southwest from Colorado to California with an abundance of scarlet flowers through the hottest late summer months. P. rostriflorus is remarkably long-lived, with some specimens living to 20 years at Denver Botanic Gardens. This variety has adapted for hummingbird pollination, with red, downward-facing flowers that dispense pollen quickly, maximizing each hummingbird visit.

This Penstemon may reseed some; deadhead for the first two years to avoid seed set, and this will result in a stronger plant. After that, deadhead to encourage repeat blooming and if you want to avoid seedlings. It thrives in disturbed soils, so we recommend aerating the surrounding soil with push aerator or spading fork from time to time.
Thrives in high elevations up to 8125 feet.

Planting & Care

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: Growing Penstemon,]David’s Favorite Plants: Pineleaf Beardtongue, The Beardtongue Family: Penstemania for Penstemon.

Shipping

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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 fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-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 at (802) 227-7200 or contact us by email or chat.

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key features

Advantages
  • Bee Friendly
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Native
  • Long Bloom Time
  • Rock Gardens
  • Deer Resistant
Light Requirements
  • Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
  • Full Sun
Bloom Time
Summer

Additional information

Planting Time
  • Spring / Summer
Soil Moisture
  • Waterwise
  • Very Waterwise
Soil Type
  • Sandy Soil
  • Clay Soil
  • Compost Enriched Garden Loam Soil
Mature Height
24-36" tall
Mature Spread
24-36" wide
Growing Zones
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
Native To
North America
Awards
Plant Select®
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
Non-GMO
No
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