Bearded penstemon (Penstemon barbatus 'Jingle Bells')

Overview

The striking Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’, commonly known as Bearded penstemon, is a celebrated herbaceous perennial valued for its intense color displays during late spring and early summer. This variety specifically showcases brilliant scarlet, tubular flowers that are magnets for hummingbirds, adding fantastic vertical interest to the garden. It is highly adaptable, generally growing 1.5 to 3 feet tall on rigid stems, making Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ a sturdy choice for sunny borders.

As a drought-tolerant species, this Bearded penstemon excels in drier sites where many traditional garden plants may struggle. Its cultural needs align perfectly with xeriscaping or native plant gardens, particularly in its native range of rocky slopes. Planting Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ ensures reliable, low-fuss color performance across USDA Zones 4 through 9.

This clump-forming perennial is cherished for its ability to combine high visual impact with resilient growth habits. The handsome foliage often provides winter interest, meaning the investment in this Bearded penstemon pays dividends almost year-round.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.5-3 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Reddish-orange
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Plant Bearded penstemon in the spring, after the danger of hard frost has passed, ensuring a location that receives full sun exposure for the best flowering display. The most critical factor for success is drainage; ensure the soil is well-drained, as this species absolutely suffers if left in soggy, wet conditions. While it adapts well to average soils, it is especially tolerant of dry soil and shallow, rocky substrates.

Maintenance for Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ is generally moderate. Water deeply but infrequently once established, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, reflecting its dry-to-medium water needs. Avoid rich fertilizers, as excessive feeding can lead to weaker stems. Deadheading is highly recommended; remove spent flowering racemes promptly to encourage rebloom and tidy up the foliage.

After the main flush of bloom concludes, you can significantly cut back the stems to the basal foliage for a cleaner look heading into late summer. Since ‘Jingle Bells’ may readily self-seed in ideal garden conditions, allow some spent spikes to remain standing if you desire naturalized colonies of this beautiful plant in the following seasons.

Landscape Uses

The upright structure and vibrant reddish-orange blooms make Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ an excellent vertical accent in sunny borders. It integrates beautifully into cottage gardens or wilder, naturalized plantings where its clumping habit forms defined drifts of color. Consider placing it in the middle or back of the border where its 3-foot height won’t obscure shorter neighbors.

Because of its excellent drought and dry soil tolerance, this Bearded penstemon works perfectly in rock gardens, cascading over stone features or nestled between gravel paths. Pair the scarlet flowers with silver-leaved companions like Artemisia or contrasting spiky textures from ornamental grasses. Its resilience also makes it suitable for low-maintenance native plant gardens focused on attracting beneficial wildlife.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Penstemon barbatus, commonly called bearded penstemon or beardlip 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. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. The specific epithet means bearded or with long weak hairs, referring to the hairs on the lower lip of the flowers. ‘Jingle Bells’ features bright scarlet flowers.

Tolerances

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

Potential Problems

Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ is generally free from serious pest pressure, a significant benefit for experienced and novice gardeners alike. The primary threat comes from cultural conditions, specifically poor drainage. Root rot is the most likely issue if the soil remains perpetually wet.

To prevent root rot, ensure excellent soil aeration and avoid heavy clay soils unless amendments are made generously. Fungal issues like leaf spots and rusts can occasionally appear, especially in humid conditions or if overhead irrigation fosters damp foliage. Good air circulation, coupled with watering directly at the base of the plant, helps minimize these surface diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Bearded penstemon suitable for?

Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ grow?

This herbaceous perennial typically achieves a height between 1.5 to 3 feet, spreading 1 to 2 feet wide at maturity.

When does Bearded penstemon bloom?

The peak blooming period for this variety is from May into June, presenting its distinctive reddish-orange flowers.

What sun exposure does Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ need?

For optimal health and flower production, this plant requires a location receiving full sun exposure throughout the day.

Conclusion

The Bearded penstemon, specifically the bright cultivar Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’, offers fantastic drought tolerance paired with reliable, hummingbird-attracting blooms. Its adaptable nature for sunny, drier gardens makes it an essential component of resilient summer landscapes. Before planting, confirm that your site offers the required full sun and excellent drainage to ensure a spectacular season of growth for this Bearded penstemon.

Wildlife Benefits

The tubular flowers of Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ are perfectly shaped for specialized pollinators, most notably hummingbirds. Planting these bright scarlet spikes directly supports local avian populations searching for nectar. By attracting hummingbirds, these penstemons contribute to the active buzzing life in your garden throughout the spring season.

In addition to hummingbirds, the dense clusters of flowers can attract various long-tongued bees. Providing native nectar sources like this Bearded penstemon helps support the general health and diversity of your local insect ecosystem, moving towards a more balanced garden environment.

Propagation Tips

While Penstemon barbatus ‘Jingle Bells’ can be reliably grown from seed—and may self-sow—division is often preferred for mature clumps to maintain varietal consistency. Dig up the entire clump in early spring or fall and gently separate the rooted sections. Ensure each division has a healthy portion of roots and foliage before replanting immediately into prepared, well-drained locations.

For seed propagation, collect dry seeds after the seed heads mature in late summer. Sow them in containers and treat them as you would other hardy perennials, often benefiting from a period of cold stratification to break dormancy before spring germination begins.