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Cardinal Penstemon

Penstemon cardinalis

$11.99
$11.99 $14.99
per Plant - 5" Deep Pot
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ZONES  5-8 | Good to grow! Zone
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• Penstemon cardinalis (Cardinal Beardtongue) is a rare, cold hardy wildflower from the southern mountains of New Mexico
• Tall, impressive spikes of dark red flowers bloom in mid-summer, making this a favorite source of natural nectar for hummingbirds
• A must-have for your pollinator garden
• Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric)

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Cardinal Penstemon

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Description

(24-36” tall x 15-18” wide) Cardinal Penstemon is a must for the pollinator garden, attracting hummingbirds with its mid-summer display of dark red tubular flowers. A husky plant with big dark green leaves and tall flower spikes, this perennial fits nicely in the back of the border. One of the latest blooming Beardtongues, it’s a nice companion to plant with earlier blooming varieties, such as Penstemon strictus and Penstemon eatonii, to keep the hummingbirds and bumblebees well-fed with nectar. Plant it in a sunny spot with infertile sandy or loam soil. Deer, rabbit, and gopher resistant. Other recommended companion plants include Silver Spike Grass (Achnatherum), Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium), Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida), and Black Eyed Susan (Rudbekcia).

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
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Native
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut Flowers
  • Rock Gardens
  • Deer Resistant
  • Rabbit Resistant
Light Requirements
  • Full Sun
Bloom Time
Mid to late summer

Additional information

Planting Time
  • Spring / Summer
Soil Moisture
  • Waterwise
Water Tolerance
Xeric
Soil Type
  • Average Soil
  • Sandy Soil
  • Low Fertility Soil
  • Well-Drained Soil
Mature Height
24-36" tall
Mature Spread
36" wide
Growing Zones
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
Ideal Region
  • Coastal California
  • Pacific Northwest
  • West
  • Western Only
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
Non-GMO
No
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