Bearded penstemon (Penstemon barbatus subsp. coccineus)

Overview

The Bearded penstemon, scientifically known as Penstemon barbatus subsp. coccineus, is a striking native perennial celebrated for its vibrant blooms. This plant brings intense color to the garden, making it a favorite among those seeking hardy, drought-tolerant options. Its scarlet red flowers are particularly effective at attracting hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife.

Penstemon barbatus subsp. Coccineus excels in difficult locations where less forgiving plants might struggle. As an herbaceous perennial, it provides reliable seasonal structure and requires relatively low intervention once established. Its commitment to thriving in dry soil conditions underlines its value for sustainable, xeriscaping designs.

Gardeners appreciate the upright, rigid stems that carry the tubular flowers from late spring well into summer. Successfully integrating the Bearded penstemon into your landscape means capitalizing on its ability to tolerate heat and dry conditions, provided it receives plenty of full sun.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.75-1 ft
• Bloom Time: May to July
• Bloom Description: Scarlet red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Penstemon barbatus subsp. coccineus establishes best when planted in spring or fall, giving the roots time to settle before extreme heat or cold arrives. Choose a location that delivers full, uninterrupted sun exposure daily. The most critical factor for success is drainage; this plant thrives in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils, and it strongly resents sitting in wet ground.

Watering should be managed carefully. While establishing, maintain consistent moisture, but once mature, the tolerance for drought allows for deep, infrequent watering. Avoid excessive watering, as this greatly increases the risk of root rot, a major potential problem for this species. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, as lean soils often produce the best flowering performance for the Bearded penstemon.

Maintenance for this species is generally low. Deadheading spent flowering racemes is recommended to encourage repeat blooming throughout the season. If the plant becomes leggy or untidy after its main flush, you can cut the stems back to the basal foliage to maintain a neat appearance in the border.

Landscape Uses

The structure and color of the Bearded penstemon make it highly versatile in sunny landscape designs. It performs admirably in the front or middle tiers of borders where its scarlet blooms provide vertical accents against lower-growing companions. Because it handles dry soil, it is an excellent choice for rock gardens, where sharp drainage is naturally provided.

Consider naturalizing Penstemon barbatus subsp. coccineus in cottage gardens or native plant groupings where its rugged nature blends seamlessly with other low-water-use species. The intense color contrasts beautifully with silver foliage or blue-flowering companions that share its love for full sun and dry conditions. These erect stems also look terrific mixed into grassy areas, adding splashes of vivid red among less colorful textures.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Penstemon barbatus, commonly called southwestern penstemon, is native to rocky slopes and open woodlands from Utah and Colorado to Arizona, Texas and Mexico. It is a clump-forming perennial that typically grows 1.5-3’ tall. Loose terminal racemes of reddish-orange, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 2” long) atop erect, rigid stems bloom from late spring well into summer. Clasping, narrow, lance-shaped to linear, willow-like, medium green stem leaves (2-6” long). Oblong to ovate basal foliage generally retains some green color over winter. Subsp. Coccineus features scarlet flowers.The genus name Penstemon likely comes from the Latin paene meaning “almost” or “nearly” and the Greek stemon meaning “stamen”. The name may also comes from the Greek penta meaning “five” and stemon meaning “stamen”. Both refer to the fifth, sterile stamen (staminode) that characterizes members of this genus.Specific epithet means bearded or with long weak hairs.The common names of this species refer to the hairs on the lower lip of the flowers of this species.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

Penstemon barbatus subsp. Coccineus is generally robust, reporting no serious, recurring insect or disease problems under appropriate conditions. The primary cultural challenge involves overly moist environments, where root rot becomes a distinct possibility. Always ensure soil drains freely to mitigate this risk.

Less frequently, gardeners may observe cosmetic issues such as leaf spots or rusts, particularly during humid stretches. Improved air circulation achieved through proper spacing and prompt removal of spent foliage after cutback can help manage superficial fungal issues on the leaves of your Bearded penstemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Bearded penstemon suitable for?

This adaptable perennial, the Bearded penstemon, is suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8. Confirming your location falls within this range is the first step before planting Penstemon barbatus subsp. coccineus.

How large does Bearded penstemon grow?

When mature, this plant typically reaches a height of 1 to 1.5 feet, with a spread ranging from 0.75 to 1 foot wide, forming a tidy, moderate clump.

What sun exposure does Bearded penstemon need?

Penstemon barbatus subsp. coccineus absolutely requires full sun exposure to develop strong stems and prolific scarlet blooms throughout the season.

When does Bearded penstemon bloom?

The peak blooming time for this species is typically from May to July, featuring characteristic scarlet red flowers.

Conclusion

The stunning scarlet display offered by Penstemon barbatus subsp. coccineus makes it an essential addition for low-maintenance, high-impact sunny gardens. Its excellent drought and soil tolerance, characteristic of the Bearded penstemon, ensures long-term success with minimal input. Plan your planting during the cooler seasons to take advantage of its vigorous root development before the summer heat hits.

Companion Planting

When selecting neighbors for your Penstemon barbatus subsp. coccineus, prioritize plants that share similar preferences for full sun and dry, well-drained conditions. Excellent drought-tolerant companions include many salvias (especially arid-adapted varieties), low-growing Sedums, and various native Echinacea (Coneflowers). Avoid moisture-loving plants that might create a perpetually damp soil profile around the base of your penstemon.

Grouping the Bearded penstemon with silvery, fine-textured plants like Artemisia or certain ornamental grasses creates a beautiful contrasting tapestry of color and form. This pairing also highlights the clean, vertical lines of the penstemon flowers, making the scarlet color “pop” in the midsummer border.

Wildlife Benefits

The tubular, scarlet flowers of Penstemon barbatus subsp. coccineus are specifically adapted for pollination by long-tongued visitors, most notably hummingbirds. The dense cluster of blooms acts as a reliable nectar source during the early summer months when many gardens are transitioning bloom cycles.

Including this plant helps support local ecosystems by providing specialized forage. While resilient to deer browsing, the plant actively attracts beneficial wildlife, enhancing the ecological function of your garden space. Its sturdy nature means the flowers remain available longer.